I have often passed the Helderberg Hospice on Old Stellenbosch Road and noticed the quiet, dignified atmosphere of the grounds. It is a place many of us in Somerset West know of, but we do not always find a reason to step inside unless a family member is in their care. However, after seeing the announcement for their upcoming Mandela Day event, I found a very practical reason to get involved.
On Friday, July 17, 2026, the hospice is hosting a community-wide crochet gathering titled 67 Minutes of Squares for Care. The premise is simple: members of the community are invited to spend just over an hour crocheting squares that will eventually be assembled into blankets for patients.
The event runs from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the hospice venue in Helena Heights. What struck me about this particular initiative is how accessible it is. According to the hospice literature, no prior experience is required, and volunteer instructors will be on-site to help those of us who might be a bit rusty with a crochet hook.
The goal is to produce enough crochet squares to create blankets that serve as tangible expressions of comfort and dignity for those in palliative care. The signage at the hospice emphasizes that each square represents an individual who chose to help, making the finished blankets a collective community gift.
If you cannot make it to the physical event on July 17, there are other ways to support the Squares of Care project. I noticed that the hospice shop also accepts donations of dk wool and crochet supplies. You can drop off completed squares or even supplies if you have a stash of yarn at home that is not being used.
For those who prefer a more social setting, the hospice encourages locals to host their own crochet circles or invite friends and family to work on squares together. It is a low-pressure way to contribute to a local institution that provides an essential service to our area.
The event will be held at 21 Old Stellenbosch Road, Helena Heights. If you are planning to attend, the organizers suggest bringing your own dk wool and hooks if you have them, though help is available for those who show up with just their hands and a willing heart.
For more significant involvement or to host a circle on behalf of the hospice, you can reach out to Celestine on 021 852 4608. Based on my observations, it is a well-organized effort aimed at turning small individual actions into a very real source of warmth for neighbors in need.
I’m a wife, mother and local publisher who traded Johannesburg and two years abroad for life in Somerset West. Through HelderbergStuff, I share lifestyle stories, local discoveries and noteworthy developments across Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay. For media and collaboration enquiries: marina@helderbergstuff.co.za
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