Steyn says she never dreamed there would be such a good response. “It started out with me wanting to make a difference with my own two hands and it has transformed into something much, much bigger. This campaign reminds me of something Madiba once said: ‘We must use time creatively, and forever realise that the time is always ripe to do right.’ I guess that this is also testament to what I like to call Madiba Magic.” (Image: 67 Blankets)
On Nelson Mandela Day, thousands of blankets will be handed to underprivileged people, knitted or crocheted by dedicated “knit wits” around the world. It’s all part of a campaign spearheaded by Carolyn Steyn, who is doing her bit to play her part for the common good.
It’s captured the attention of thousands of South Africans as well as corporates and hundreds of people in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Cyprus, London, the US and India. Joining is easy. The only requirement is that the single bed-sized blanket or baby blanket has to be handmade – bought blankets will not be accepted. Blankets can be knitted or crocheted and should measure 150cm x 200cm. “You can decide on your own size squares, your own colour – but preferably a darker colour so as not to show up dirt too easily.”
Watch Carolyn Steyn knitting for Madiba here:
First published on Media Club South Africa – Brand South Africa’s library of quality images and articles, available for free
