‘Good wool’ for the first birthday of the 67 blankets initiative

Those who attended the event were asked to bring blankets and wool to support the cause.

The movement has its roots in December 2013 when Zelda la Grange, Nelson Mandela’s former assistant, challenged philanthropist and actress Carolyn Steyn to knit 67 blankets.

In tribute to the 67 years that Madiba spent fighting for human rights, the blankets were to be distributed to those in need on Nelson Mandela Day.

Steyn gladly accepted but soon realised she would not achieve it alone, so she called on her friends for help and created the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day Facebook page.

The page was shared frequently and in a few weeks, hundreds of people from around the world had pledged to knit a blanket for Nelson Mandela Day.

“Thanks to the power of social media, the ‘good-wool’ of people around the world and of course, the legacy of our inspiration, Mr Nelson Mandela,” said Steyn. “What started out as a challenge quickly matured into a movement – a movement that has motivated a global base of loyal supporters to do good and to colourfully honour the memory of our beloved former president.”

Last year, the initiative made history by hosting ‘knit-a-thons’ on Robben Island, the site where Nelson Mandela was arrested in Howick, and on Vilakazi Street in Orlando West, Soweto. It has brought together the leading ladies and men of South African theatre, and filled the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton with yarn.

This year, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day aims to collect 21 000 blankets to coincide with South Africa’s celebration of 21 years of democracy.

These blankets will first be displayed at the feet of the Nelson Mandela statue at the Union Buildings on 21 April in a world record breaking attempt.

“We urge all South Africans to get involved so we can show the world what we are made of,” said Steyn. “The current world record is 7 800 blankets which were displayed at a cathedral in Helsinki. We can beat this but time is of the essence. Even if you can’t knit or crochet [you can drop off] wool donations. We do not have a bank account. We trade in wool – ‘good wool’,” said Steyn.

Details: www.67blankets.co.za.

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