Rondebosch’s Micklefield School handed over 208 knitted blankets to a charity during a special assembly at the school on Tuesday.
The school set out to produce 90 blankets to celebrate both its 90th anniversary and the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth.
And with pupils, parents, staff, former pupils and others in the Rondebosch community all pulling together, they produced more than double that number.
The blankets were donated to the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela charity.
Belinda Gordon, a parent, school board member and knitting enthusiast, proposed the project more than a year ago.
She was inspired by a picture of a record-breaking 21 000 blankets spread out over the lawns of the Union Buildings and the fact that they had been made by people from all walks of life.
“Almost all of us learnt to knit for the project. We had a good feeling inside when we finished a square because we knew that it was going to be part of a blanket that would go to someone who really needs it,” said Grade 4 pupils, Jaime Thompson and Morgan Faught.
Sandi King, representing 67 Blankets, was thrilled with the donation.
“The number of beneficiaries is growing by the day and we are so excited to be able to meet all the requests thanks to Micklefield and others.”
The Micklefield blankets will be given to children through the Kidz2Kidz organisation.
School principal Jeannette Welgemoed said Micklefield’s ethos was one of giving back to the community .
“Our Micklefield values guide us in all that we do. It is important that our girls understand the need to give back to the community and to play their part as global citizens.
“As we celebrate our 90th birthday, we want to celebrate with children who are not as fortunate as ourselves,” she said.
