Having knitted and crocheted more than 7 000 beanies since the group started, the Durbanville Knitting Ducks mark three years of caring community service this year.

The group, which meets every Tuesday at Durbanville Library, has grown into a meaningful community initiative, with members gathering weekly to knit and crochet for causes that make a real difference, says René Walker, area head: east of library and information services of the City of Cape Town’s community services and health department.

Giving back to the community

For the Durbanville Knitting Ducks, their third birthday marks three years of friendship, creativity and giving back to the community.

The group, which was started by Gail Leask, coordinator of the group, with only four members after she put up a notice on the noticeboard at the library, now boasts 28 dedicated members.

“It is also therapeutic for our members — we share in each other’s joy and sorrow, the birth of grandchildren, and we support each other through the loss of spouses,” Leask says.

Beanies and soft toys

Over the past three years, the Knitting Ducks have produced an impressive 7 090 beanies, as well as more than 80 soft toys, which are used for trauma therapy with physically or sexually abused children when they need to testify in court.

“Much of our work supports Beanies4Babies, a non-profit organisation that helps provide warmth to vulnerable newborns by supplying beanies and socks to babies in need,” Leask says.”One of the main reasons for starting the group was to establish a passionate support group for Beanies4Babies in the Western Cape,” she says.

Teach about court officials

Touch Our Pets (TOP) Therapy Dogs was started by eight dedicated therapy dog handlers, and their pets, in August 2008.

TOP Therapy Dogs help teach the children about court officials in a fun and feel-good way. At the same time, the dogs help the children to heal, bring love without judgement or threat, and show them the way back to trust.The dogs are dressed as the magistrate, the state prosecutor, the defence and the court orderly. The children hold on to them as they learn, but in the real court, the dogs can’t be present, according to their website.

They aim to give every child a crocheted or knitted pup that will accompany them into court.

“We would like each child to choose which real dog will be ‘theirs’ and give them their own cuddly version that will remind them of love and smiles and courage,” according to their website.

Bringing comfort and care

“In this way, the Durbanville Knitting Ducks extend their reach beyond babies, contributing to projects that bring comfort and care to others,” Walker says.

“More than just a knitting group, the Durbanville Knitting Ducks have created a space for connection and purpose. Their weekly gatherings at the library have become a place where friendships are strengthened and where every stitch contributes to a bigger cause,” she says.

“Their three-year milestone is not only a celebration of commitment and consistency, but also of the difference a dedicated community group can make. From helping keep babies warm to supporting wider community initiatives, the Durbanville Knitting Ducks continue to show the power of kindness in action,” Walker concludes.

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