LISA BECKER
“My garage is very happy to get rid of it all today!” laughed a cheerful silver-haired Kathy Mogg as she sorted jerseys by size during Jersey Week.
Mogg, alongside Kathy Naylor and Anne Murphey, has helped sustain this heartfelt initiative for decades.
The trio carefully track collection dates, storing knitted items in their homes throughout the year until distribution week.
With lists in hand, they ensure each nonprofit organisation (NPO) receives the exact quantities and sizes requested.
This year alone, more than 400 jerseys, 150 beanies and 40 blankets were distributed.
In addition, 20 fleece hoodies — new to the collection were included.
Jersey Week was founded in 1986 by Arcadia Rotarian Dr Betty Navid as a way for elderly community members to share their knitting skills while supporting those in need.
“There is a group called the Busy Bees at Parklands where knitters meet weekly for tea and a catch-up,” Mogg told the Go! on Wednesday.
“There are usually between 12 and 14 ladies.”
The craftsmanship on display was remarkable.
Jerseys featured intricate patterns — rainbow hues, zebra stripes, cable knits, purl and ribbed designs. Some were adorned with scenes of boats, kites and dogs, finished with carefully chosen buttons.
There were delicate baby garments, including preemie-sized cardigans and matching booties, as well as blankets decorated with playful emblems and messages.
“Our knitters come from Fairlands, Berea Gardens, the Valley, and there are individuals who assist as well,” Mogg said.
Barbara De Lacy from Simunye Day Care in Mzamomhle arrived to collect jerseys for the centre’s 50 children, aged three to five.
“Last year, one little girl received a jersey with a kitten and beautiful buttons. She was immensely proud,” she said.
Murphey, who distributes directly to Choc and Guardians of Hope, highlighted the dedication of the knitters.
“One of my knitters is 99 years old and still making beanies,” she said.
“Many people enjoy knitting but can’t complete a full jersey, so they knit squares and I crochet them together.”
Naylor, who works closely with her knitters, shared that she alone has knitted more than 120 beanies.
“We buy wool for them so they can continue knitting.
“I’ve learnt their preferences — most love bright colours,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to Saprotex for their longstanding annual donation of wool, as well as to Arcadia Rotary for consistently funding the initiative. Pastor Tshepo Modiakgotla, of Nahoon Methodist Church, experiencing Jersey Week for the first time, was visibly moved.
“Now I see how this has made a difference in thousands of lives.
“The Methodist way is to serve the community,” said Modiakgotla, quoting John Wesley’s teaching: “Earn all you can, save all you can and give all you can.”
Annette Leach, of Greensleeves Children’s Home, was delighted to receive baby clothes, booties, beanies and jerseys.
“When we see the threadbare shirts children arrive in, it breaks our hearts. These jerseys are a pure necessity,” said Leach. As quickly as the tables were filled, they were cleared again — every item distributed, every NPO accounted for.
Naylor will deliver jerseys to African Angels in Cintsa, while Mogg prepares parcels for Pefferville.
It is a legacy of care spanning nearly four decades, older generations sharing their time and talent to bring warmth, dignity and joy to children in need.
“The knitters won’t stop,” said Naylor. “They’re already knitting for next year.”
For those interested in donating wool or becoming part of the initiative, contact Naylor at 083-280-6148 or Mogg at 083-261-4144.
