IN commemoration of Madiba’s 100th birthday celebrations, the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela is calling on all crocheters to take part in the creation of a 27km long scarf to earn a spot at the Guinness World Record for the longest scarf in the world.
The initiative is made possible by 67 Blankets which is a remarkable charity drive that aims to ensure that thousands of scarves are donated for distribution around the country in the coldest months of the year.
Founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela, Carolyn Steyn, said 2018 is a good year for the attempt to break the Guinness World Record, by creating the world’s longest scarf that will be on display at the Mandela Capture Site in Howick KwaZulu Natal on July 29.
“This attempt will show the entire world what our 67 Blankets family is doing, stitch by stitch, to keep the legacy of our late great Tata Madiba. For the past three years we have churned out thousands of scarves for our Secret Scarves Shhh (SSS) initiative which we do every July during Mandela Month. India currently holds the record of the longest scarf in the world which is at 14 km. Why don’t we in South Africa beat India? I believe our knitwits can definitely do this for Madiba,” said Steyn.
She added that the deadline for the distribution of scarves at the 67 Blankets Headquarters so they can be sewed together is June 25.
“Once the Guinness record has been achieved and aerial photographs of this display have been taken Stuttaford Van Lines will transport the scarves to the Secret Scarves mission so it can continue to distribute to the regions on the same day and same time all round the country.
“Every scarf will have our message of love and warmth attached to it, as well as, our trademark heart logo so people walking home from school and work will witness pockets of glorious colour around lamp posts, railings and trees. And so that people who need a little more colour and warmth can be able to help themselves to our labours of love,” explained Carolyn.
The scarf size has to be 20 cm x 200 cm and the hook size not bigger than 6.55m, as per the Guinness World record rules.
Scarves need to be crocheted, however, knitted scarves will be accepted for distribution.
For more details check 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Facebook page or email: info@67blankets.co.za
