With a stich at a time a group of Stellenbosch knitters are bringing comfort and warmth to patients undergoing chemotherapy.
According to Allysa Smith, Stellenbosch ambassador for the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, the project was born from the national initiative.
“This particular project was inspired by one of our members who was going through cancer treatment. During her journey, we supported her with love, encouragement and handmade items, which showed us just how much comfort something as simple as a blanket can bring during such a difficult time,” Smith says.
The volunteer knitters knit squares for the national 67 Blankets initiative annually. Last year they also made scarves distributed at the clinic in Ida’s Valley as part of Mandela Day.
Through the Blankets of Hope initiative cancer patients receive the warm knitted or crocheted lap-blankets. “The idea grew into creating blankets made from both knitted and crochet squares, allowing many people to contribute in a meaningful way.
“We put out a call on social media and the response was overwhelming – people from all over began sending squares, many sharing their own personal connections to cancer.”
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Along with aligning with the greater project Blankets of Hope has become deeply personal for the group. “Many of our members, as well as those contributing squares, have personal connections to cancer. Some are cancer survivors, while others have walked the journey alongside loved ones or experienced loss. Because of this, there is a deep understanding of what patients are going through, and that makes every square. every blanket, so much more meaningful,” Smith says.
Personal connection
The group currently has five active local members. However, the project has grown far beyond the small core group. “We receive knitted and crochet squares from people all over, with many kindly couriering their contributions to us.”
The shared experience of volunteers and contributors brings a deep sense of purpose and compassion to every blanket. “The response from our local group has been incredibly heartfelt and supportive. Even though we are a small group, there is a strong sense of purpose and compassion that drives everything we do,” Smith points out.
To date the group has handed over 36 blankets through the Blankets of Hope initiative to Flamingo Project, which supports patients at the Groote Schuur and Tygerberg hospitals. “Our aim is to establish a consistent support system, with weekly collections to ensure that chemotherapy centres always have blankets available for patients in need of comfort and warmth. The first collection took place on 17 April, followed by a second on 23 April. In addition, we currently have 25 completed blankets that are in the process of being packaged, along with over 100 squares being assembled into new blankets. We also have over 200 beanies that are packaged together with the blankets as part of these care packages.”
Anyone interested in getting involved can do so by creating squares for future blankets. The blocks should be 20 cm x 20 cm with knitters and crocheters encouraged to be as creative as possible. Volunteers will assemble the blocks for the final product.
The women at Eden Park Retirement Village have joined in the effort and taken the task of joining the knitted and crochet squares together to create finished lap-blankets.
Smith says the project has become a “true community effort” and her hope is that more residents will show support to ensure a steady supply of handmade items for those undergoing treatment.
“Whether you’d like to knit or crochet squares, donate wool, or simply support the project in another way, every contribution makes a meaningful difference,” Smith urges.
She invites anyone looking to be part of Blankets of Hope to look her up on Facebook and send her a message.
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