The Cape Town Clothing Guild is hosting its 132nd collection and distribution of clothing in May. They are asking for donations of wool and material, any colour or quantity so that they can make at least two items each for distribution.
In June last year, under strict Covid protocols, members collected and distributed more than 25 500 articles of new, warm clothing to 37 charity organisations throughout the peninsula.
“This organisation has such a sound structure that not even the pandemic could bring it down,” said area co-ordinator, Maureen Rookledge of Meadowridge.
Established in 1889, and following the organisation’s mission statement “to give to the neglected a sense that we care”, this was the Clothing Guild’s 131st annual distribution.
“With the long-term effects of Covid and lockdown, charities have expressed a greater need than ever before,” said Ms Rookledge.
There are 22 contributing districts stretching from Durbanville to Camps Bay and Simon’s Town and she is responsible for the one in Diep River. Each year members are asked to buy, sew, crochet or knit a minimum of two articles of winter clothing to donate to the guild. These can be jerseys, babywear, blankets, bed socks, scarves, beanies and others. Alternatively, some members choose to make a cash donation. This is used to purchase school uniforms, raincoats, pyjamas and tracksuits.
The items are collected by the area co-ordinators who sort and deliver them to a central collection venue. Over two days the clothing and blankets are sorted, counted and allocated to the different charities it supports. “There is a great sense of accomplishment when the organisations arrive to collect their laundry bags filled with warm clothing,” said Ms Rookledge.
To support the Clothing Guild, become a member or donate two items of clothing, contact Sarah Brooke at 073 236 5048, or Maureen Rookledge at 076 312 0525, or 021 712 0813, or Sandy Carstens at 072 6306 152.
