KnitWit groups from all over Cape Town are preparing to display their hand-made blankets to the public on Mandela Day.
KnitWits are groups of people across the globe who knit blankets, scarves, beanies and more for worthy causes each year, such as the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day non-profit organisation.
Ruth Ely, from the Lansdowne library KnitWits, said the group of about 20 women had started knitting last year and were excited to display their work at Longbeach Mall, in Fish Hoek, on Tuesday July 18.
On the day, the public will be able to find out more about the knitting group or donate wool.
They have made blankets that feature a range of Cape Town attractions, including Table Mountain, Boulders Beach and the beach huts in Muizenberg.
The blankets will go to people who need them or can be bought on the day for a cash-worthy donation of wool.
Ms Ely said 67 Blankets for Mandela Day would also be holding knitathons on Saturday July 8, Saturday July 15, and on Mandela Day, at the mall.
Every year, KnitWit groups around Cape Town hold the Secret Scarf Mission, leaving scarves, with kind notes attached, hanging from trees at random locations for anyone who might need them.
“We chose scarves because they are easy for people to make instead of committing to making a whole blanket,” Ms Ely said.
“People have the will but sometimes not the wool, as a colleague of mine says. It is important to carry on this project because it is so rewarding and needed. It joins communities together and makes so many connections and friendships… This is part of how we keep Madiba’s legacy alive – looking at the positive side of life, not just the negative. Our goal is to make a difference every day.”
Melanie Lippert, a member of the Friends of the Lansdowne Library volunteer group, said about 20 members of the Busy Bees knitting group at the FG Lowe Village seniors’ home in Hanover Park were also knitting bright rainbow scarves for Mandela Day.
“It is so rewarding to see the smiles on peoples’ faces when they come across a scarf with a note on it and they feel so special because it’s theirs and it’s free,” she said.
Hazel Barish, from the Young Ones knitting group in Crawford, said they would be placing secret scarves at Kromboom Park on Tuesday July 11.
“Whoever comes to the park is welcome to take a scarf. The children are the most important. That is why we are having it in the school holidays. We aim to knit about 200 scarves. We have 12 people knitting from Crawford, Hazendal, Gleemore, Silvertown, Rondebosch East and Athlone. If people want to join us, they are welcome to. We are also hoping to hand out hot dogs on the day. This project really brings joy to the community. We appreciate all the donations of wool,” she said.