18-07-2025
Scarves, soup and spirit as St Columba's shares Mandela Day magic
There was no shortage of warmth at St Columba's Church in Parkview on July 18, as volunteers, church members, and the KnitWits of 67 Blankets came together to mark Mandela Day with food, love and scarves for those in need.
By the end of the morning, 127 displaced individuals had received more than just a hot meal. They were welcomed, cared for and offered dignity through simple, heartfelt gestures.
Read more: Parktown High School for Girls choses 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day ambassadors
Geoff van Heerden, a volunteer at St Columba's, praised the community's generosity. 'We've had an incredible response. Local businesses donated boxes of sandwiches, hot dogs, soup, and the amazing team from 67 Blankets handed out scarves.'
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Secret Scarves Shhh campaign by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. Around 100 scarves were placed across Parkview, each tagged: I am not lost. If you are cold and need me, please take me. With love, 67 Blankets.
Rev Melanie Cook of St Columba's said, 'This is about more than charity. It's about dignity, choice and coming together for something meaningful.'
Michelle Burton from 67 Blankets added, 'Mandela Day lets us connect, create and care. It brings joy, not just to those who receive the scarves, but to those who make them too.'
With scarves, sandwiches and a spirit of kindness, the Parkview community turned a winter morning into a celebration of humanity.
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