Childline Free State has launched a sewing project to upskill underprivileged communities in Bloemfontein, while at the same time giving back to children in need.
According to Childline’s Marlize Ramsden, “The project started when I saw the condition of some of the clothes people were donating. Many of the items we receive had holes in them or were torn, which made it impossible for us to hand out to our clients. I thought it would be a waste if the clothes were thrown out while something could be done about them. The idea of re-using the clothes and turning them into blankets then came about.”
According to Ramsden, a weekly workshop where clients of Childline can learn sewing skills and make blankets will be held as part of the sewing project.
“After these clients have worked a certain amount of hours, they will qualify for a food parcel, because with the large number of clients we have, we can only provide a certain number of food parcels per family per year.”
Ramsden explained, “The first blanket I have made, was to show people that you can take a jean for example and use every bit in order to make crafts, whether they are blankets, pillow cases, carpets, and placemats or pencil cases. Eventually, I want to bring in knitting as well as crocheting.”
The blankets will be sold and the proceeds will go towards a fund for children who cannot afford to be assessed or included in therapy.
Ramsden added that clients who do not want to be part of the sewing project can get involved with another community project, called Veggieline, where vegetables are grown for the food parcels and Childline’s safety homes.
“We are still in need of sewing machines, an overlocker, scissors and thread. People can also donate old, torn clothes that can be used as material. We would also appreciate it if people who have knowledge of sewing and are willing to pass over those skills to our clients, could volunteer and help with the project,” she concluded.
If you want to get involved, contact Marlize at [email protected].
blanket that can be
made out of old, torn
clothes.
Justine Fortuin
