All hands are needed on deck to create the Rainbow Nation Blanket of Hope.
Anyone can participate by knitting or crocheting blankets in bright, vivid colours to evoke the warm and generous spirit of the rainbow nation.
This initiative is a partnership between the non-profit organisation 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day and the non-governmental organisation Gift of the Givers.
“The gift of hope is the biggest gift we can give during this time of uncertainty,” said Carolyn Steyn, founder of 67 Blankets.
“Volunteers around the country will be producing blankets in all the colours of the rainbow to symbolise our hope for the future.”
According to Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, a blanket is more than a symbol of hope, warmth, comfort and ease.
“It is a symbol of unconditional love, especially when knitted by a stranger for a fellow national. This action is creating a better life for all in keeping with the ethos of Mandela Day,” he said.
- Volunteers have until the end of March to complete their blankets. The massive “combined” blanket will be laid out at the Steyn City School in Johannesburg during May, after which Gift of the Givers will distribute blankets to people in need. Interested parties can send an email to info@67blankets.co.za or visit the 67blankets.co.za.
