GEORGE NEWS - What started with a single ball of wool and one woman's willingness to knit has grown into a heartfelt community project that is warming lives across the Garden Route and beyond.

Every Wednesday, nine women from Touwsranten gather to knit and crochet beanies and teddy bears, not for themselves, but for people in need.

The initiative was started by Cheryl Pietersen after she took part in a local outreach with Africa4Jesus. Inspired by the experience, she wanted to continue making a difference.

"It all began when one lady simply said, 'Give me the wool and I will knit,'" Pietersen recalled.

The group's original goal was to make beanies and teddy bears for Africa4Jesus to distribute during missionary outreaches in South Africa and other African countries.

With the help of Steve van der Westhuizen, the group collects donations of wool from the community, while members also buy wool themselves when needed. Residents of Wilderness have been especially generous, donating leftover wool and knitting supplies that might otherwise have gone unused.

Last month, the women decided to extend their kindness closer to home by visiting Rosemoor Old Age Home. 

With refreshments sponsored by Rotary, the group spent time with residents and handed over 100 hand-knitted beanies.

What makes the project particularly special is that many of the women involved are pensioners or unemployed and face financial challenges of their own. Despite this, they continue to dedicate their time, skills and resources to helping others.

For the group, knitting is about far more than creating beanies and teddy bears. It provides companionship, keeps their hands and minds busy, and brings the joy of knowing they are making a difference, one stitch at a time.

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