The 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day celebrates its eleventh year with an old-fashioned road trip.

The 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day was founded by Carolyn Steyn in December 2013 after his former personal assistant Zelda La Grange challenged Steyn to make 67 blankets for Mandela Day.

Over the years the initiative has grown into a global movement mobilising thousands of active members in South Africa and around the world to crochet and knit blankets and scarves for the less fortunate.

Blankets knitted and donated last year in Bloemfontein. Photo: Facebook

“Our blankets go where there is a need. At first we were doing centres for children, old age homes, centres for people with disabilities, as well as hospices,” said Bloemfontein ambassador Lindiwe Mnguni. “As the organisation grew and the need, too, we started also getting involved where there was a need, like floods or fires.”

This year the organisation has embarked on a tour called Peace, Love, Tolerance to connect with people who are in need of warmth this winter, stopping in eleven cities across South Africa.

Making a human connection with those in need is important, said Steyn. “We are visiting all regions of our beautiful country to distribute blankets to people less fortunate than ourselves.

Blankets from last years road trip. Photo supplied

“This year, we wanted to make those personal connections that are so important to us and spend time with the organisations and people we support. What better way to do that than a good, old-fashioned road trip where we personally deliver the blankets our knitwits across the country have so lovingly crafted to keep those in need warm throughout the winter months.”

The public is encouraged to get involved in the initiative by dedicating their time and hands to make as many blankets as possible; another option is to sponsor the organisation with wool.

‘This Saturday (24/5) they’ll be visiting Bloemfontein’

The Peace, Love, Tolerance road trip for May has already travelled to eight cities, and this Saturday (24/5) they will be visiting Bloemfontein and donating blankets at Paballong Home.

“It’s rewarding to us who make those blankets, because seeing your finished product and what you created with your hands will be bringing joy and warmth to someone’s life, making it a little bit better,” said Mnguni.

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