Pretoria – More than 100 blankets were recently collected during a special community initiative at the Voortrekker Monument, and these blankets are now on their way to old age homes, care facilities and other vulnerable communities across Pretoria, where the winter cold has already started to bite.
The project was a collaboration between Solidariteit Helpende Hand, the Jacaranda Beetle Club and MachKnitz volunteers who knitted and crocheted blankets.
At least 103 blankets were collected and transported on Mother’s Day (10 May) in an impressive convoy of 32 Beetles from Dastek to the Voortrekker Monument.
Twenty-four of the vehicles belonged to the Jacaranda Beetle Club, while eight came from members of the public who also wanted to be part of the initiative.
“An initiative like this reminds one of the incredible community power,” Liani Louw, Helpende Hand’s regional organiser for the Greater Centurion region, said on Wednesday, 27 May 2026
“The most beautiful sight was seeing all the Beetles arrive together, draped in beautifully knitted and crocheted blankets, each one a symbol of care.”
Louw said requests for blankets from communities across Pretoria are increasing daily, with nearly 2 000 blankets currently needed.
“When a community puts up its hand to do something together, something extraordinary happens.
“That is where hope begins to live.”
The organisation is now also calling on schools, community organisations and the public to become involved in further blanket collection projects for winter.
“It gives hope when organisations, institutions and communities come together to make a difference. Each contribution may seem small, but together we change lives.”
The Jacaranda Beetle Club, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is regarded as the oldest existing Beetle club in South Africa.
The club was founded on 9 February 1986 by five passionate Volkswagen Beetle enthusiasts, two of whom, Werner Alker and Gunther Baggerohr, are still actively involved today.
Alker still serves as the club’s president.
With approximately 66 members and around 40 active participants, the club hosts monthly gatherings and outings where members share their love for the iconic vehicles.
“The greatest difference can be seen when people realise they do not have to help alone. Together we can restore warmth, hope, and dignity to a community,” says Louw.
People who would like to become involved in Helpende Hand’s blanket projects can contact the organisation at diens@helpendehand.co.za or donate blankets at their nearest Helpende Hand branch or Ons Winkel.
