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New Flying Partner to 67 Blankets Campaign
Airlink, the largest independent regional airline in southern Africa and 67 Blankets for Mandela Day have partnered up to distribute handmade blankets to those in need.
According to Carolyn Steyn, the Founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day: “The growth of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has been phenomenal. Thousands upon thousands of blankets are being made with such love and care by loyal supporters or knit-wits across the country. These blankets will be distributed to those in need when the cold front hits us again next year.”
Steyn and her gang of knit-wits hope to make 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day a household name by displaying their woollen wares at the feet of the Nelson Mandela statue at the Union Buildings in February 2015. After this awareness stunt, which is bound to cause a global stir and attract even more supporters to the cause, the blankets will be returned to their creators for regional distribution.
“Transporting thousands of blankets to Johannesburg is a logistical nightmare but thankfully, Airlink have stepped in to help! Airlink connects over 36 destinations across Southern Africa so we couldn’t have asked for a better partner,” says Steyn.
In October 2011, a similar campaign was carried out on the steps of the Helsinki Cathedral in Finland. Over 7000 blankets were created for this Guinness World Record attempt. Afterwards, the blankets were donated to the Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters.
Steyn hopes to collect 9000 handmade blankets and then take an aerial photograph of this incredible feat and possible Guinness World Record. With just five months to go, South Africa needs to get those needles clicking!
“I am confident that South Africa will rise to this challenge and that next year, the world will see what South Africans are doing to keep Madiba’s legacy alive. Hopefully it will encourage more people to get involved so that more people can be kept warm in winter,” concludes Steyn.
