KAROO NEWS - The Hospice knit-a-thon, which was originally planned for March, is one of the few fundraising efforts that has benefitted from lockdown, as most of the 32 knitters involved just carried on knitting.

Over 30 knitters registered for the project, making squares to be sewn into blankets for Hospice patients.

A team of seven ladies put all the squares together into knee blankets and the initial target of 92, one for each patient, has already been surpassed, with more squares still coming in.

Fundraiser Colleen Buckle reports that income from sponsorships amounted to R3 530, which was more than expected and a bonus.

"As Sister Loretta goes on her rounds, she takes blankets to her patients who are all very grateful to receive bright beautiful little blankets to help keep the chill at bay," said Buckle.

Amongst the grateful recipients was a six-year-old boy who was facing a trip to Port Elizabeth for his first cancer treatment. He was overwhelmed to receive his "eie kombersie" to take with him.

One man said that his blanket was perfect for wrapping around his feet, which were always cold, and an elderly lady likes to drape hers around her shoulders when she sits up in bed or out in the sun. Many of the beneficiaries found it difficult to comprehend that anyone would willingly spend time to make something so beautiful for strangers. The project kicked off with a session at the Assembly Café, when many of the volunteers were humbled to learn about the work of the organisation.

Hospice personnel would like to thank the knitters, their sponsors, and all those who donated knitting and crochet needles, and yarn.

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