July in South Africa is Nelson Mandela month, which celebrates the life and legacy of the country's former president Nelson Mandela.

The organisation says that for the individuals of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela, this means it's time for secret scarf warmth to be spread.

This annual activation, which is in its seventh year, is a way of spreading 'GoodWool', adds the organisation.

The NPO says that following on from the successful Rainbow Nation Blanket of Hope — which took place in May 2022 and saw over 4 500 blankets given to Gift of the Givers to distribute in KwaZulu-Natal — the secret scarf mission continues with the theme of thanking the healthcare workers for their work and sacrifices they made over the last 28 months.

Carolyn Steyn, founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, says, "We are so excited that we can all come out after a long lockdown into a changed world and pay tribute to the healthcare workers and continue with the theme of hope for the rainbow nation. I cannot thank our [participants] enough for their commitment that continues to bring warmth to people across our nation every year."

Steyn concludes, "In 2022, we have seen a greater involvement from learners at schools across the country, both at junior and high school levels, which brings a youthful enthusiasm to the blanket family."

According to the NPO, thousands of scarves have been hand-made with care for this initiative. Each scarf will have a 67 Blankets label with a special message attached, which reads, "I AM NOT LOST. IF YOU ARE COLD AND NEED ME, PLEASE TAKE ME. With LOVE, 67 BLANKETS FOR NELSON MANDELA DAY".

The '#SSS' Secret Scarf Shhhh…. Will take place at the following venues across the country:
  • Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg at 15:00
  • St Teresa's School, Johannesburg at 07:30
  • Park Care, Johannesburg at 15:00
  • REEA Epilepsy Centre, Johannesburg at 15:00
  • Rob Ferreira Hospital, White River at 15:00
  • Kids park, Gqeberha at 15:00
  • Lady Michael Day Hospital, Cape Town at 15:00
  • Belville South Civic Centre and Library, Cape Town at 15:00
  • Cnr Kromboom Rd and Jan Smuts Drive Athlone, Cape Town at 15:00, and
  • Kwanonqaba Mall, Mossel Bay at 15:00.
For more information, visit www.67blankets.co.za.