Special blankets for special children

It is not often that charity cuts both ways but by helping a group of women, in Okahandja, the Ohlthaver & List Group has found a way to also help children in need.

Earlier this month, they gave each of the 66 children at the JJ’s Care Centre in Walvis Bay, his or her own handmade blanket, just in time to fend off the July cold.
These blankets are bought from a group of elderly seamstresses in Okahandja who come together daily to share their passion and their love of knitting special blankets.
Venessa Mwiya, O&L’s Group Corporate Social Investment Coordinator said “Our Group has been supporting the elderly women with their wool project for quite some time. We purchase the blankets that they make and donate these to needy communities. So far the Central Hospital’s Cancer Ward; Namibia Children’s Home and other vulnerable children and elderly people have been beneficiaries of the wool initiative.” The O&L Group’s stated purpose of “Creating a Future, Enhancing Life” inspires the group to support children who are disabled. “We are passionate about our future generation, irrespective of their physical or mental challenges and that is why it is a joy to show our care for them by way of donating these beautiful blankets.”
Kim Flanagan, owner of JJ`s Care Centre expressed her gratitude towards the O&L Group for their support and said: “We are so thankful to receive these beautiful and colourful handmade blankets. We love handmade things as they are extra special! These will surely brighten up the children’s grey and cold days here in Walvis Bay.”
The centre is modelled on the The Justin Selby Care Centre in East London, SA which is named after Justin, Kim Flanagan’s son who suffers from cerebral palsy. JJ`s Care Centre is an Edu-Therapy Day Care facility for children with physical and mental disabilities as well as for children with learning difficulties.