Something as simple as a blanket most of us take for-granted can be a life-saver for the needy on a cold winter’s night.
South African social entrepreneur Carolyn Steyn, the founder of ‘67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day’ (celebrated on July 18, the late South African president’s birthday) in 2014, is now on her way to creating a record 21,000 handmade blankets to honor Madiba and the country’s 21 years of democracy.
“Madiba once said ‘it’s now in your hands’. And with our ‘KnitWits for Madiba’, it literally is, with each and every stitch we make. Blankets can be knitted, crocheted or sewn. It takes time to make a blanket and I believe that by doing so, it shows heart and caring. The recipient will hopefully realize that someone out there took the time and effort,” says Steyn.
The initiative came into being when Zelda la Grange, Mandela’s former private secretary, dared Steyn to make 67 blankets last year. Steyn gladly accepted the challenge and asked South Africans to lend a helping hand. Within a few months, she could not believe the number of people from around the world who joined in.
“When we began our distribution of blankets in the name of Madiba last year, I was completely taken aback by the thousands of people who simply do not have blankets…When you go to townships and poverty-stricken areas, into the old age homes, hospitals and orphanages and see the problem, your heart breaks,” says Steyn.
South African network provider Cell C has joined hands for the challenge, also teaching people to knit. A slew of celebrities, top CEOs, community leaders and politicians have taken on the challenge.
“Knitting, crocheting and sewing are skills one can use in life. And careers can be forged with these skills. This initiative is also about social cohesion,” offers Steyn.
In her personal capacity, Steyn has donated R210,000 ($17,500) to the school that produces the most blankets.
“If each one of us does something to make a difference, the world would be a better place. Naturally there is hunger all around and there are some incredible organizations who make it their sole mission to feed the hungry. ‘67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day’ has changed my life entirely and has become a full-time job for me and for many other people as well. We do not accept money at all. We trade in wool, ‘goodwool’,” says Steyn.
The movement will culminate on April 21 at the Union Building in South Africa’s capital Pretoria where the colourful woolies will be spread across the lawns before being distributed to charity organizations.