In December 2013, Zelda la Grange, Nelson Mandela’s trusted assistant, presented philanthropist and ‘Arts Angel’, Carolyn Steyn, with a challenge: knit, sew or crochet 67 blankets! These blankets would then be distributed to those in need on Nelson Mandela Day (18 July).
Since then, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has transformed into what some are calling a movement – a movement that has captured the attention of many South African celebrities and also got the Guinness World Record Badge this year as the Worlds Largest crochet blanket.
The ethos of the 67 Blankets is one of good will and charity, one that has motivated knit-wits from all over to support one of the greatest charitable campaign aimed at keeping many warm in the harshest winter expected this year. The Excitement and joy expressed by most of the knit wits that were at the Union building were phenomenal and one that reflects the true legacy of the late Nelson Mandela.
“Our hope and unity brought us together to break this record. I am ecstatic that our unity got us to achieve our common goal of breaking the record. This started out as a photoshoot, and when we saw that we were receiving many more blankets than expected, that is when we got the idea of trying to break the world record,” Steyn said.
” I live in a Social complex with different children from different race, and for us all to come together and kosha for a good cause like this is so heart warming says Sheila Marriot, one of the knit wits celebrities at the event.
