The goodwill that abounds at Rand Aid’s Thembalami Care Centre is as comforting as a snuggly blanket or familiar pair of socks.
And it is bed socks, as well as beanies, scarves, baby jerseys and booties that have helped keep the kindness flowing!
Resident Elizabeth Andrews can often be found with a pair of knitting needles or a crotchet hook in hand and happily churns out knitted goods for those who can do with some warmth and comfort.
Employee Connie Machebela was taught to knit in her lunch break by a former resident, Yvonne Jacobsen, who recently passed away. Connie has paid it forward by contributing to the good feelings at Thembalami – she has made beanies, bed socks, scarves and, her favourite, baby jerseys and booties.
“Not only have the ladies produced some beautiful and much-needed items, but they have kept themselves busy during the coronavirus lockdown,” says Thembalami social worker Lara Hurwitz.
In addition, Karyne Brokenshire, a resident from Inyoni Creek, a nearby Rand Aid retirement village, crocheted eight blankets for the care centre, which were handed over to new residents to make them feel warmly welcome.
Some of the items – including a blanket made by Elizabeth – will be raffled to raise funds for Thembalami, while the beanies, bed socks and scarves will be donated to residents as needed.
Thembalami Care Centre liaison manager Elize Raath and manager Esme van der Walt show off some of the handmade items.
Thembalami Care Centre employee Connie Machebela with some of her handiwork.
Thembalami resident Elizabeth Andrews with a selection of the beanies and bed socks she has knitted.
