About 230 knitted and crocheted scarves in rainbow colours were hung in trees at the Kromboom Road Park last week for those in need of something warm.
The Young Ones KnitWits knitting group from Crawford, together with the Spin-a-Yarn club and Buzzy Bees from the FG Lowe Village seniors’ home in Hanover Park, hung the scarves, on Tuesday July 11, each with a note of encouragement attached, as part of their contribution for Mandela Day, on July 18.
Young Ones chairwoman Hazel Barish said that they were also supported by knitters from Crawford, Hazendal, Gleemore, Silvertown, Rondebosch East, and Athlone.
Some of the children who took scarves had asked their parents or siblings to read the notes to them, said Ms Barish.
“I told them that that note means love. The event was a total success. There were so many children and senior people too. The children’s reaction to the scarves was wonderful. They played games and really enjoyed themselves. The neighbourhood watch also organised a football match for the kids. The sun was shining; it was a gorgeous day. I feel so sensitive about this. It’s like a miracle that this thing has happened. The faces of those children made it worth it.”
Anyone passing through the park who needed a scarf could grab one for free, and people also donated wool to the knitting group.
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.
Melanie Lippert, from the Friends of the Lansdowne Library volunteer group, said: “A community came out to celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela and the children in our communities, the very citizens of South Africa each adult South Africa should cherish. Gratitude was in the air with the many ‘thank you, aunties’ coming from the children as they lovingly handled and admired the rainbows adorning their necks. KnitWits and children felt the hope, love and togetherness only rainbows bring.”
The children were also treated to hot dogs, cold drinks and oranges sponsored by friends of The Young Ones.
Ward councillor Mark Kleinschmidt said the event “ignited cohesion and unity”.