Help Us Unofficially Exceed a World Record and Create Comfort for Hospice Patients

Squares for Care is a community driven campaign inviting people across the Helderberg and beyond to help us unofficially break a world record while creating warmth, dignity, and comfort for hospice patients.

Our goal is to unofficially exceed the current world record of 100,581 crafted granny squares and turn every square into a blanket that supports patients receiving palliative care through Helderberg Hospice.

This campaign forms part of our 40 Years of Quality Care celebrations and runs from World Cancer Day to Mandela Day.

Join Us On Mandela Day

Friday, 17 July 2026, 09:30 to 12:00
Helderberg Hospice Hall and Garden, 21 Old Stellenbosch Road, Helena Heights, Somerset West

What started as a community fundraising initiative has grown into something far bigger than anyone anticipated. We are unofficially closing in on the Guinness World Record for the largest display of crochet squares, currently standing at 100,581, achieved by Mother India’s Crochet Queens in March 2025.

On the day, we will announce our official final square count, display the collected squares and blankets, and host a gifting ceremony where completed blankets are presented directly to our patients.

You are warmly invited to join us, whether to crochet, help join blankets together, or simply be part of the celebration. Certificates of participation will be issued to all attendees.

RSVP here: https://wkf.ms/4ggeLMS

Media enquiries and interview requests: community@helderberghospice.org.za or 021 852 4608

Help Us Complete the Day

Beyond squares and yarn, we could also use a hand with:

• Refreshments for our volunteers and guests (tea, coffee, biscuits, cupcakes)
• Small gifts for our volunteer recognition

If you or your business would like to contribute, please get in touch with our events team at eventsteam@helderberghospice.org.za

Why Squares for Care Matters

Many hospice patients face illness alongside cold homes, limited resources, and emotional strain. A handmade blanket is more than warmth. It is comfort, dignity, and a reminder that someone cares.

By participating, you are helping Helderberg Hospice to:

• Provide practical comfort to patients in home based care
• Engage the community in meaningful acts of service
• Raise awareness of palliative care and its role in quality of life
• Celebrate 40 years of compassionate care in the Helderberg

How You Can Take Part

You can support Squares for Care in several ways.

Donate Squares

• Crocheted or knitted granny squares
• Size must be 15 cm x 15 cm
• Any colour combination is welcome

Donate Materials

• Wool or yarn
• Crochet hooks or knitting needles
• New or gently used supplies

Get Others Involved

• Invite friends, family, schools, clubs, or workplaces
• Turn it into a group challenge or team effort
• Encourage participation as part of Mandela Day initiatives

Sponsor a Square

Cost: R5 per square
Minimum purchase: 4 squares
Minimum total: R20

Not everyone can crochet or knit. Sponsoring squares allows anyone to take part financially.

Sponsor a Full Blanket

Cost: R240 per blanket

A sponsored blanket represents a complete act of care from square to finished item.

Need More Information?

If you would like to get involved, sponsor squares or blankets, or organise a group contribution, please contact us.

📧 Email: eventsteam@helderberghospice.org.za

📞 Call: Celéstine on 021 852 4608

Join our WhatsApp Group here.

SUPPORTERS AND DONORS

MOYA YARN – www.afriqueyarn.com

VINNIS COLOURS – https://www.vinniscolours.co.za/#home

THE CRAFTERS INN – https://www.thecraftersinn.co.za

PORT AND STARBOARD WOOL AND HOBBY SHOP – https://www.facebook.com/PortandStarboardGB

THE WOOL SHOPPE – https://thewoolshoppe.co.za

SAMIL NATURAL FIBRES – https://www.samil.co.za

STUCKEN YARNS – https://stuckenyarns.com

SHOPRITE – https://www.shoprite.co.za/