Grans bring smiles

CUDDLING a teddy bear brings joy and comfort to children. But for those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, a teddy bear cuddle is a luxury they may never experience.

The Pietermaritzburg and District Community Chest is trying to change this with its Teddy Bear Project.

Angie Narayanan, the spokesperson for the organisation, said: “The Teddy Bear Project was started by Sarah Pennington, one of our patrons. She is now 96 years old. The project earned her the title of Bear Lady. She began knitting teddy bears for underprivileged children about seven years ago. She went on to recruit other young and older ladies to do the same.”

Narayanan said Pennington was able to get a donation of wool from a company in Cape Town.

“We have been using that wool since we started the project. This enables us to give out wool to volunteers for free to knit the teddy bears.

“Over the years thousands of teddy bears were distributed to children in impoverished communities, hospitals, those living in protective shelters and children's homes.”

Narayanan said the project was based in Pietermaritzburg and they had a team of 50 volunteers knitting the teddy bears.

One of the groups involved is the senior citizens of the Pietermaritzburg Association for the Aged (Pafta).

Shanthie Mohanlall of Northdale is a retired supermarket employee. She joined Pafta seven years ago and became involved in the knitting project.

“I love knitting. I saw an advert in one of our newspapers about the project. I thought it was such a wonderful idea. It just melted my heart. I have two grandchildren and I know how much toys and teddy bears mean to them. There are so many children in our communities who don’t own toys. Something simple like a teddy bear brings a big smile to their faces.”

Over the years, Mohanlall has knitted about 500 teddy bears for the Community Chest.

“This year I knitted 100 and with the help of my friends from Pafta, we did 40 more for a local orphanage.”

Sharika Kilowan, 73, from Raisethrope has been with Pafta for almost 20 years. She was inspired by Mohanlall to get involved in the project.

“When I heard about the project I thought it was a beautiful initiative.

“Cuddling or holding a teddy bear gives one a sense of warmth. I know this because when I am done knitting one and I hold it close to me, it feels good. One can only imagine the impact and comfort it has on children, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Kilowan, who has two grandchildren, said she could not remember how many teddy bears she had knitted over the years.

“I know it is a lot. I encourage other organisations or individuals to get involved. It will bring a smile to a child’s face.”

Bagiam Govender, 94, from Bombay Heights, has been knitting since she was 30. Govender, who has 10 great-grandchildren, joined Pafta 33 years ago.

“I learned to knit from books. It is a good hobby to pass the time. Now I am using my skill to bring smiles to children. This year I knitted 60 teddy bears.”

◆ If you would like to volunteer to knit, call Narayanan at 033 394 1031.