Clarendon first to join 67 Blankets
SARAH KINGON
THE team of knit-wits and happy hookers is increasing as the 67 Blankets movement heads to local schools in an effort to boost the amount of blankets sent to those in need this winter.
Clarendon High School pupils were the first to offer their assistance in knitting and crocheting squares for the cause.
Matric pupil Kelsey Savage began the campaign to knit for Mandela Day at Clarendon with the support of teacher in charge Jucintha McVitty Brown.
“We started the campaign two weeks ago and invited pupils to knit as many squares as they can. We are also offering prizes for the class and the pupil that brings in the most squares. The girls are motivated to participate because of the competitions and contribution to those in need,” Savage said.
Girls are encouraged to use their own wool and to donate wool for those who cannot buy their own. Savage said they will use money from the school’s class fund (money collected at civvies days) to purchase wool and sell it back to pupils at a reasonable price.
McVitty Brown said: “The girls love knitting and often I have to stop them from knitting in class!”
Experienced knit-wits and happy hookers from 67 Blankets have visited the school on two occasions to teach pupils how to knit and crochet.
Savage said the response had been good, with a total of 600 squares knitted by last week Thursday. “We aim to donate two squares per girl, which works out to 1500 squares in total, and 24 blankets all together by the July 29 deadline,” Savage said.
Grade 11 pupil Nokubonga Mhlongo said: “I always wanted to learn to crochet and knit. It seems like a fun idea and I thought I would help out where I can. People enjoy teaching their friends in class and saw it as exciting, so it has taken off quite well.”
Knit-wit Colleen Shaw, who is working on her 13th blanket at home since joining 67 blankets two and a half years ago, came out to help pupils learn to knit.
“Throughout my life I have always worked for a charity cause. This is my way to pass my little bit of knowledge on. I come whenever I can and love teaching others,” Shaw said.
Clarendon would like to challenge other schools to be part of this good cause for Mandela Day.
The team from 67 Blankets will be raffling a beautiful crochet blanket to anyone who donates 100g balls of double-knit wool for the cause. Raffle sheets will be available at Wool ’n Stuff in Berea Mall.
For more information on 67 Blankets, contact June Stagler on 072-560-7738.
