In December 2013, Zelda la Grange, late former President Nelson Mandela’s trusted assistant, presented philanthropist, Carolyn Steyn, with a challenge – to knit, sew or crochet 67 blankets. These blankets would then be distributed to those in need on 18 July, Mandela Day.
Steyn gladly accepted La Grange’s challenge but soon realised that she wouldn’t be able to achieve it alone. She called on her friends for help and developed a Facebook group named 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. In just days, hundreds of people from around the world had pledged to knit a blanket for Nelson Mandela Day.
The 67 movement has since captured the attention of many South African and international celebrities as well as corporates and ‘KnitWits for Madiba’ in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Cyprus, London, the United States of America and India.
Patrick Rivers, who is a pupil at King Edward VII Preparatory School, was made one of the first ambassadors appointed by Carolyn Steyn.
He was with his grandmother, Kate Rivers, crocheting his first square when Steyn approached him and asked him if he would like to be a junior ambassador. He jumped at the chance and, since then, has crocheted five blankets – but his main focus has been collecting and handing out the blankets.
Between him and his gran, they have handed out over 200 blankets to people less fortunate than him. Last year, he handed out blankets to St Giles Home for the Disabled and Child Line at official 67 Blanket handovers.
His gran has committed to collecting and handing over 67 blankets for her 67th Birthday on 2 April. Patrick can be found on Sunday mornings at Norwood Mall, helping her reach this goal by spreading the 67 Blankets word and collecting squares. Patrick insists on wearing his school uniform to all 67 Blankets formal events, or otherwise he dons his 67 Blankets T-shirt.
Details: www.67blankets.co.za
