67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, supported by Cell C, has announced its drive to produce 21 000 blankets by 21 April this year and create a world record in the process. In this 21st year of democracy, South Africans are encouraged to knit or crochet a blanket. These will be spread across the lawns of the Union Buildings in Pretoria at the feet of the Nelson Mandela statue before being donated to charity organisations around the country.
67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, founded by social entrepreneur Carolyn Steyn, encourages people across the world to knit or crochet blankets to keep needy people warm, in honour of Madiba, and linking in with Nelson Mandela Day and the 67 Minutes initiative, driven by The Nelson Mandela Foundation. It has received international recognition as one of South Africa’s greatest projects in weaving the fabric of the South African nation together.
To date more than 9 000 blankets have been created and handed out to charity organisations. This year the aim is 21 000 blankets and a host of well-known faces have already taken up the challenge including Sophie Ndaba, Miss South Africa Ziphozakhe Zokufa, Anele Mdoda, Gareth Cliff, Johnny Clegg, the cast of Generations, Melinda Bam and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe.
Schools throughout the country are encouraged to take part and could share more than R650 000 in cash prizes. Twenty one schools stand in line to win one of R21 000 prizes sponsored by Cell C. In addition founder Carolyn Steyn has donated a cash prize of R210 000 in her personal capacity for the participating school who produces the most single bed size blankets.
Ordinary South Africans – from top CEOs, to community leaders and politicians – will be called upon to make their contribution by delivering a blanket or adopting a knitter to do it on their behalf. Corporates are also encouraged to ask their staff to volunteer to produce blankets and provide the yarn and tools to assist them.
Knitters who post a selfie of themselves knitting on 67 Blankets’ social pages could win one of three Amber Gold, Huawei Mate 7 mobile handsets valued at R 6000 each. Post your selfie on @67Blankets and @CellC with the tags #Believe, #EPIC and #67Blankets.
Cell C has recognised the creative and innovative call to all South Africans to use the power that is in their hands and support this initiative. The company will also empower a group of women in Diepsloot by donating wool and tools and teaching them to knit and crochet as part of this year’s initiative.
“The good corporate citizenship of Cell C will go a long way to supporting the vision of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. We also encourage South African businesses throughout the country to get behind this campaign and ensure that we continue to live the Nelson Mandela legacy,” said Steyn.
Go to:
• Facebook: www.67blankets.co.za
• Twitter: @67Blankets and @CellC
• Instagram: @CellCSA
