By Nasiha Khan
The enthusiastic ladies of Granny Griffs Sugar Shack knitting and crocheting group have joined the international band of ‘Knitwits’ to create blankets for the 67 Blankets for Madiba initiative.
The project is part Mandela Day initiative, which is celebrated annually on 18 July in honour of the late former President Nelson Mandela. The 67 Blankets initiative was founded by philanthropist and ‘Arts Angel’, Carolyn Steyn, after a challenge presented to her by Mandela’s trusted assistant, Zelda la Grange.
Since its inception in 2013, the challenge has evolved into a movement attracting many South Africans and the international community including ‘KnitWits for Madiba’ in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Cyprus, London, the US and India.
KwaZulu-Natal ambassador for the initiative and frequent Granny Griff’s visitor, Sue Eslick, applauded the ladies for their commitment to the cause. She said: “They are a lovely little warm hearted group. Everyone is willing to share information and help each other out. I think its quite full and its really a lovely time.”
The La Lucia resident, Eslick, has been busy of late having handed 220 blankets made by KZN to Gift of the Givers towards the flood relief effort, with an additional 300 more from the Johannesburg Knitwits side. She revealed that with a generous donation of wool from ABSA, 6700 blankets are currently being made with over 100 crafted by team Durban.
The blankets are all set to be completed by 30 June and will be shipped to Johannesburg for an epic display on Mandela Day. The founder of Granny Griffs Sugar Shack, Helene Griffiths said they were thrilled when Eslick contacted her about joining the initiative as the group is are all about outreach.
She said: “Sue came to join us one morning with some wool and a few ladies from the knitting group have already knitted some blankets for the initiative. Some time ago, one of my patrons wanted to start a knitting group. We initially scheduled it weekly on a Monday but that fell flat, however, when we rescheduled for a Tuesday, it just blew up! I don’t think I had any less than 10 people at a time. The group is fantastic. Just to hear them share and help each other is so heartwarming to see. Its such a wonderful vibe!”
This initiative stands as another impressive addition to Granny Griffs resume of outreach programs. Aside from the much beloved Soul and Caregivers Club that caters as a safe space for senior citizens and those whose lives were affected by terminal illnesses, Griffiths collects clothing for the Open Door Crisis Center, handbags for the Jes Foord Foundation, soft toys for Bobbi Bear and items for the Highway Hospice Charity Shop.
Debbie Clarke, a carer and companion to many elderly folks who frequent the Soul Club, recently completed her very own blanket for the 67 Blanket initiative. “Helene has such a wonderful group. Just having a drop off point for these blankets in a special place such as Granny Griffs makes it all the more personal. The knitting group, I find is such a de stress for a few hours to get away from our busy lives share a cappuccino with other ladies,” she said.
If you would like to lend a hand in any of Granny Griffs outreach efforts, you could drop off items for any of the above initiatives at 29 Uitsig Road, Durban North or alternatively contact Helene on 082 570 6730.
