Who would’ve imagined? I just started learning to crochet (still feeling a bit like I have ten thumbs), and I’m already able to put my new hobby to use. Toward really good use!
Here’s one of my first projects!
8"x8" (20cm x 20cm) square
I know it may not look like much, but enough of those squares will make one of these:
Blankets for AIDS orphans. Photo from KasCare
Which will go to one of many needy orphans in South Africa, like one of these beautiful kids:
Photo by Karen at KasCare
The organization I’ve been crocheting for is Knit-a-Square, a registered charity under the name of KasCare, a group that provides aid to AIDS orphans.
In a few words, “Knit-a-square is a volunteer organization of knitters and crocheters for charity.”
Since their founding in 2008, and their initial call to knitters and crocheters around the world, they’ve amassed over 170,000 squares, representing over 7,000 blankets and more than 11,000 garments, all to provide warmth and comfort to orphans in sub-Saharan Africa. According to their website, they have spread over 40 countries with over 5,000 members — now ME included.
I was introduced to Knit-a-Square through my friend, Kathy, who lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. She discovered this organization as she was developing her knitting skills. “An 8″ square is the perfect size to try out new stitches and learn new techniques,” she said. “And as I do it, I know that I am giving comfort to someone who really needs it. So my skills improve, I get to do what I love, AND I get to help a child who really needs a warm blanket. Pretty cool!”
By the time I had arrived at Kathy’s house last month for a visit, she and her niece, Amie, already had quite a collection of squares completed. Kathy quickly trained me up. And, by the time I left, Kathy was ready to pack up our contributions which altogether would make up an entire blanket.
Corinne, Kathy, Amie (and Josie) show off their work. Photo by Conrad Feininger
More on Knit-a-Square
The idea for Knit-a-Square came in 2008 through the initiative of two families, one in South Africa, the other in Australia. Knowing the plight of OVC (Orphaned and Vulnerable Children) in South Africa*, they wanted to do something to help. They invited knitters from around the world to help provide warmth and comfort to these parentless, sometimes homeless children by knitting 8″x8″ squares, and they would arrange to have them knitted together into blankets.
According to their website, during their first year in 2009, volunteers knitted and crocheted over 54,000 squares and more than 4,000 garments. And, they just keep growing.
If you, too, are interested in joining this movement, please go to the Knit-a-Square website and/or to their Facebook page. There you’ll find specs on how they’d like the squares done, how to ship them, and you’ll discover a community of people ready, willing, and able to help you learn and develop your talents to do good!
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* According to UN, over 16 million children have been orphaned by AIDS worldwide, and 14.8 million of those are in sub-Saharan Africa. 1.9 million live in South Africa.
Great Job! Keep up the good work!
Wonderful, Corinne, as usual!
What a great blog read. I’ve been fortunate to find Knit A Square too and it’s not only vastly improved my crochet skills but saved my family from a lot of crocheted items they can do without, but the children can’t. I know all those children in distress sounds dire but it’s such a positive cause to be involved in and what a rush when you see one of your squares or hats or vests on a child and their bright beaming faces. We’re making a difference and it’s directly from us to them, no governments or red tape in the way. I just love it…this has given my crocheting a whole new world to expand into, and my heart too!