Care centre’s busy hands and open hearts

Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre launched its Hearts and Hands for the Homeless project during the coronavirus lockdown. The project gives residents something meaningful to occupy their time.

The initiative has seen residents and staff uniting to turn plastic bags into yarn (plarn) which will be used to crochet sleeping mats for the homeless.

“Our participants are pleased to have an opportunity to make a contribution towards improving the quality of life and wellbeing of another person,” says Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s Manager: Recreational Programmes. “They have a focused sense of purpose in working on this meaningful project. It is also a good time to relax with a cup of tea and chat to fellow plarn-makers!

“As we need thousands of bags, we are appealing for donations of clean plastic bags (supermarket carrier bags or coloured rubbish bags), once the lockdown restrictions are eased. One bag, one person can start a wave of kindness.”

For further information, contact Debbie Christen at 010 534 6595.

 Work Group ... many hands make light work.

Jessie Pickard.

Rosina Pretorius.

Doreen Woodward.

Ems Horn.

The finished products... sleeping mats.