BEATING THE COLD THIS WINTER

By Lana Coates

The winter cold hit earlier this year and with all the rain we’re having there are many people suffering as a result.

Distribution of blankets and warm knitted items to the most vulnerable in our community – the elderly, the sick and children – took place during the last week of May. Following our appeal for funding we were able to purchase enough blankets to get the project off the ground.

Final distribution in Stanford saw around 220 blankets – both purchased and knitted/ crocheted – handed out to the Stanford community. Around the same number of small, knitted items were also distributed. We are currently busy with distributions to the farms and Die Kop.

There was much excitement, especially for the children, when they were allowed to choose their own knitted item once they’d received their blankets. Some knew exactly what they wanted while others were spoiled for choice. Everyone went home happy, though.

The success of this project is due to the assistance we receive from members of our community. Not only were folk exceedingly kind and generous with funds but there is a whole team of ladies out there who knit or crochet blankets, beanies, scarves, gloves, head-warmers throughout the year to fill up our stock boxes. Added to this we were extremely fortunate to receive two parcels of knitted baby jerseys and beanies all the way from Port Elizabeth, not to mention around 60 beanies all the way from Australia!

Finally, thank you to every person who contributed in some way to this project for 2023. You made it the success it was.