The Cape Town Clothing Guild will host its 134th collection and distribution event next week.
Also read: Ranger hopes to make a difference through Cableway Charity Challenge
The volunteer based organisation has operated for more than a century, collecting and distributing warm clothing and blankets to 37 charities across the peninsula, the False Bay Echo reports.
This year, the organisation is appealing for donations on Tuesday, 16 May and Wednesday, 17 May.
The Cape Town Clothing Guild only collects new clothing. ‘This approach ensures that those in need receive high-quality items that will last them throughout the season, and also demonstrates respect for an individual’s worth and dignity through the time and thought given to buying or making a new garment,’ says Sarah Brooke, chair of the organisation.
Each year, members buy, sew, crochet, or knit at least two pieces of winter clothing to donate to the guild. This includes jerseys, baby wear, blankets, bed socks, scarves, beanies and more. Members are also welcome to make donations instead, which are used to purchase school uniforms, raincoats, sleepwear and tracksuits.
The items will be collected by area coordinators, who will sort and deliver them to a central collection venue.
The organisation distributed 26 500 new items last year, which were donated from 22 districts across Cape Town. The Fish Hoek district alone donated 1 166 items and raised R14 450. ‘The majority of our members knit and sew or buy new warm clothing or make a cash donation,’ says Liz Duffell, the area coordinator for Fish Hoek and Noordhoek. ‘We have regular groups of women who gather to knit, including the Busy Lizzies of Peers Village and the Anglican Women’s Fellowship of St Margaret’s Church, both of whom donate over 300 knitted items each year.’
To support the Clothing Guild, become a member or donate two items of clothing, contact Sarah Brooke at 073 236 5048.
Also read:
Athletes assist WSAR in rescues during Cableway Charity Challenge
Picture: Unsplash