Volunteers from the KnitWits movement of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day organization continue a tradition that has lasted for ten years: they create scarves to bring warmth and hope to people in need.
Campaign and Anniversary
A simple act of kindness, which began with leaving knitted scarves for those in need, has turned into a nationwide movement. Thousands of volunteers help spread warmth and hope as part of the Secret Scarves Shh... campaign. This initiative, run by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, marks its tenth year on Mandela Day, July 18th.
Installation at Hyde Park Corner
In celebration of the anniversary, a handmade scarf chandelier was created by the Gauteng KnitWits volunteers from 67 Blankets. This chandelier will be displayed at the Hyde Park Corner Centre as part of the Yarn by Design Expo. It is entirely composed of scarves made specifically for this installation.
History of the Campaign
The Secret Scarves Shh... campaign started ten years ago when people began leaving knitted or crocheted scarves in public places for those who needed them. Since then, thousands of scarves made by volunteers known as KnitWits of 67 Blankets have been placed in parks, on railings, around trees, and in other public areas across South Africa. Additionally, some scarves are distributed from the red City Sightseeing tourist bus in Johannesburg, each containing a handwritten message of care.
Significance and Participation
Caroline Stein, founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, states: 'What started ten years ago with leaving scarves in public places for those in need has grown into a nationwide movement based on compassion.' She adds that 'every scarf represents warmth, dignity, and hope, and we are proud of the thousands of people who embraced this simple idea and helped it become a national movement.' Each scarf carries the familiar campaign tag: 'I AM NOT LOST. If you are cold and need me, please take me. Love, 67 Blankets xxx.'
Event and Invitation
The giant scarf chandelier, created by Gauteng KnitWits from 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, marks the 10th anniversary of the Secret Scarves Shh... kindness campaign. Visitors are invited to participate in the event by knitting, crocheting, or donating yarn at the Yarn by Design Expo, which runs from July 18th to 30th. The exhibition will feature three decorated living areas designed by Cabbages & Roses and adorned with handmade scarves and individual throws, with the scarf chandelier hanging above the installation.
Organizers' Comments
Sheri McAffy, a representative from the Hyde Park Corner marketing department, stated: 'Hyde Park Corner is delighted to open its doors to the Secret Scarves Shh... campaign in celebration of a decade of warmth and connection.' She emphasized that 'the scarf chandelier suspended over the Centre Court is a vibrant symbol of what a caring community can create, one stitch at a time. We hope our shoppers will come in, pick up needles, or simply take a scarf home for someone who needs it.'
Scale of Activity
Since 67 Blankets was founded in 2013, over 200,000 knitted blankets and scarves have been distributed worldwide, which the organization attributes to the time and skills volunteers dedicate to strangers.
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