Thursday, March 29, 2012

Hope For A Closer Knit World!!


I thought this photo was really neat and I wanted to share it with you!  It represents a key dynamic for the Knit-A-Square charity, which is that a small effort by many people around the world, equals a large benefit for the children of South Africa.





Many people in the US  feel strongly about giving back locally and rightly so.  I am in full agreement with giving to your local shelters and charities.  In addition to crocheting for KAS, I also give hats, shawls and other items to area shelters.  I think it is important that we all look for ways to give back in our own communities.  Often this requires no financial investment.  However, I also believe it is important that we open our eyes and awareness to the abject poverty affecting children in South Africa.  These children are coping with multiple issues; abandonment, AIDS, and malnutrition, to name the most serious.  I think sometimes, when we see such a HUGE need, it feels overwhelming and seems like we can't make a difference.  But we CAN make a difference, at home and globally!



 
Clearly, we cannot begin to meet all the needs of these children.  But, if we each do something small,  then all of those tiny drops from all over the world, combine into an ocean of love, warmth and intention, to make a difference in the lives of many children.




 
  Here is a beautiful video of one daycare that was the recipient of blankets from KAS.  It warms my heart to be a part of this!





I also want to tell you about the exciting project that I and my fellows KASers are working on!  Along side several schools in South Africa, KAS is working toward making the world's largest handwoven blanket!  This blanket is set to be finished around the middle of July, and displayed in the CocaCola dome in Gauteng and is meant to coincide with Mandela Day.  This is so exciting, because not only will it give KAS a great deal of exposure, but this huge blanket will be split afterwards into 2000 blankets!  Those blankets will then be given to KAS to distribute to the children in need.  This will come at a really critical time in the S.A. winter.  As I mentioned in a previous post, it can get very cold in S.A. during their winter (our summer).  The day time temperatures in S. Africa are warm, but at night it is often below freezing!  The homes have no insulation and no real way of heating.  Having a warm blanket is critical!


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I hope you will consider Knit-A-Square when deciding upon what charities you donate toward in 2012.  You can donate as little as $5: http://www.knit-a-square.com/knit-a-square-donate.html to help  wrap thousands of children in warm, hand made blankets!  Just the price of two cups of coffee every month will make a powerful difference!!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and for considering KAS the next time you make a charitable donation!!

In love and fellowship!
Mary Anne