Following the resounding response last year, in the build-up to Mandela Day 2024, the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day exhibition will be returning to Eastgate Shopping Centre this July. Since its inception, this project has distributed more than 180 000 handmade blankets, and hundreds of thousands of scarves to those in need, setting numerous records in the process. Building on the goal to get South Africans involved, locally and abroad, to crochet and knit blankets and scarves, in the process, it has become a global movement, encapsulating the true spirit of Ubuntu in its finest form.
This year, the incredible 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day exhibition will be on display in Eastgate’s lower level, opposite Panarottis where, from July 11–14, visitors can enjoy a celebration of colour with new exquisitely handcrafted blankets on display. These pieces show extraordinary craftsmanship, creativity and artistry. More than a display, the key purpose is to raise awareness and support for the many South Africans who find themselves cold and in need of warmth in winter. To make a contribution, shoppers can donate a knitted blanket or wool in the donation boxes. If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, a team of experts will be on hand to share their skills.
To make donations even easier, the Wool Shoppe will have a kiosk available at the exhibition for customers to purchase and donate wool. Alternatively, wool can also be purchased from various retailers in the centre including Checkers, PNA and Value Co.
“Championing initiatives that genuinely enhance people's lives is at the heart of our mission as a centre. We are thrilled to welcome the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day exhibition back to Eastgate. I invite all shoppers to come and enjoy viewing these masterpieces and to support this project with enthusiasm, so that together we can show true compassion through action,” said Saadiyah Kahn, general manager of Eastgate Shopping Centre.
Saturday Star