Helderberg Hospice’s Squares for Care campaign closed on Friday 17 July with a final count of 106 763 squares, unofficially exceeding the current Guinness world record for the largest display of granny squares by more than 6 000.
The campaign, which launched on World Cancer Day (4 February) and culminated in a community celebration ahead of Mandela Day (17 July), drew volunteers from at least 18 towns across six provinces, from Langebaan on the West Coast and Tzaneen, Limpopo to Bloemfontein, Free State and Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The final tally translates to 2 224 blankets, each one made from 48 hand-crocheted or knitted squares, now ready to bring warmth, dignity and comfort to patients receiving palliative care through Helderberg Hospice.
“This was never really about the record,” said Helderberg Hospice CEO Robert de Wet. “It was about building a community on dignity when it’s needed most.”
The current Guinness World Record for the largest display of crochet squares stands at 100 581, set by Mother India’s Crochet Queens in Chennai, India on 9 March 2025. Helderberg Hospice’s campaign was run as an unofficial effort, given the cost of a formal Guinness record attempt, but the community’s result stands as a remarkable achievement.
Contributions came from every corner of the community, including a 101-year-old volunteer from Langverwag Aftreeoord who continued knitting for the campaign throughout, schools including Totius Laerskool in Bellville, Hoërskool Strand and Helderberg International School.
Mandela Day celebrations took place at Helderberg Hospice’s Hall and Garden in Somerset West, where volunteers spent their 67 minutes of service sorting and packing squares, crocheting in the garden, and tending to the Hospice’s Garden of Remembrance.
The day culminated in a final count announcement and a blanket gifting ceremony, where completed blankets were presented directly to patients in Helderberg Hospice’s care.
With well over 100 000 squares now collected Helderberg Hospice’s next task is turning them into finished blankets.
The organisation is calling on volunteers with crochet or knitting experience to help join completed squares together. Those interested in assisting with this next phase are encouraged to contact the Hospice directly.
Helderberg Hospice extends its sincere thanks to every volunteer, donor and supporter who made this achievement possible, including Vinnis Colours, Moya Yarn, Elle Yarns, The Wool Shoppe, Samil Natural Fibres, The Crafters Inn, Port and Starboard Wool and Hobby Shop, Elna Die Wolnessie, Shoprite Checkers, The Biscuitry and Darling Orchids.
- For more informaton or to volunteer for blanket joining, contact Samantha Barnard on 021 852 4608 or send an email to community@helderberghospice.org.za.
