July 2023 Newsletter: The Stanford Shout-Out

Here we are in July already! The winter cold certainly arrived early in an extremely wet way. Many people suffered as a result so our Winter Warmth campaign took place just in time. 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 and into June. Not only casual items were distributed - we also provided jerseys, shoes, socks, long trousers, and rain jackets to school children in need.

Little Angels Pre-School

We were blessed to have received 60 beanies all the way from Australia, lovingly hand-knitted by a lady in her nineties. There was a lot of excitement as the children got to choose 2 beanies each. These were immediately put on and even modelled by some.

The bulk of the distribution took place over 2 days. 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 totally due to the assistance we receive from members of our community. Not only were folk very 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, bedsocks, etc throughout the year to fill up our stock boxes. Added to this we were very fortunate to receive 2 parcels of knitted baby jerseys and beanies all the way from Port Elizabeth, not to mention the beanies all the way from Australia!

To end this year’s campaign we distributed blankets etc at Die Kop. Stanford received 37 donated blankets from Caledon FM as a result of their Blanket Drive early in June. The need at Die Kop was close to 100 blankets and thanks to a late financial donation we were able to purchase a further 50 blankets and add what we had left in our boxes, ensuring everyone in need received a blanket along with a knitted item.

2023 was the biggest Winter Warmth distribution we have had in Stanford. The need is much bigger since Covid as many people still have no income.

Around 320 blankets were distributed, each blanket accompanied by a warm knitted item.

Many people need to be thanked for their contributions, be it by way of funding or items for our boxes - every bit helps and we are very grateful. So THANK YOU to everyone who contributed in some way - you made the campaign the success it was.

Should you wish to knit small items to add to our boxes for next year, please contact me for the basic patterns.

Stay warm and dry, consider those people less fortunate than yourselves, and be kind.