A property estate agent passionate about knitting is imploring locals to get their needles clicking for a worthy cause.
Inspired by the joy experienced as an avid new member of the Pringle Bay Knitwits and distributing blankets as part of their previous Madiba Day initiatives, Roline Campher initiated a knitting project aimed at spreading some much-needed warmth at Helderberg old age homes. She challenges all fellow knitters to jump on the band wagon, put shoulder to the wheel and lovingly knit squares for about 80 blankets which will be donated to the elderly residents on Keller Williams Realty’s annual Red Day (Thursday 12 May). Dubbed as The R2B (Red and Black) blanket project, the objective is to collect squares for around 80 knee blankets to be distributed on the day.
“The goal is to have enough blankets to hand out on our Red Day. But apart from this, knitting squares also affords pensioners the opportunity to become involved. By supplying them with wool and needles, they weave knitting into their daily routine as a means to stay productive. Here we want to mention Vonke Huis, Ametis, Altena, Serenitas, Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club, De Kuilen and a group of ladies from Bellville. For the associates it is also a way of relaxing and making contact with other people,” explained Campher.
The Somerset West Market Centre manager and her team came up with the idea in 2021, which saw local real estate franchise support the parents of boys who were enrolled in the SA Rugby Legends Association-endorsed Vuka Rugby programme, through donations of food parcels to a Macassar school. She said: “This year we want to support old-age homes in the areas we operate in, including Rusthof Old Age Home in Paarl, Huis Soeterus in Strand, Geluksoord in Stellenbosch and the organisation Helping Hands, which will help distribute some of the blankets among the needy cared for by children or friends. We are proud to say: ‘We have culture’ inside the market centre which spills out into the community; we understand that the higher purpose of business is to give, share and care.”
Campher shared the whole concept of Red Day was inspired by Mo Anderson and Gary Keller from America, and all market centres, both internationally and locally, respect and honour this way of doing business.
“Red stands for Renew, Energise and Donate, and the day was created to celebrate Anderson’s birthday. On this day, which is always on the second Thursday of May, all the Keller Williams associates spend their day away from their business, serving worthy organisations and causes in their community.”
Campher said locals can show their support through donations, monetary or by means of equipment (knitting needles and wool), by knitting or crocheting squares or stitching the squares together to form the blankets.
“We hope that through the project recipients will experience the love and respect from a younger generation by enjoying the extra warmth and comfort of the blankets this winter; that the knitters will enjoy activities that them feel worthy and experience the wonderful joy of giving.
“We want to thank the organisations and individuals who have helped us get around 2 400 squares knitted. We will appreciate it. Now, for the next three weeks, to stitch the squares together.”
V
For more information or to get involved, contact Campher on 083 459 5934 or roline.campher@kwsa.co.za.
