Rotary Club Blanket Drive

The Rotary Club of Morningside has been a part of the Rotary Club blanket drive, which started 15 years ago. Since its inception we provide blankets through donations, NGO purchases and fundraising events. Blankets are donated to communities in Gauteng and throughout South Africa. A small group of people have taken responsibility for the entire operation in Gauteng. Although a portion of blankets are distributed to Cape Town and Kwa-Zulu Natal when purchased by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other Rotary Clubs based in those provinces. Denise Cruickshank was part of the original main committee from the drive's inception 15 years ago. She has lead the project for 13 years at the Rotary Club of Morningside. Denise then, at the age of 84, ‘hung up her blanket boots’ and the project was handed over to Beverly Cowper, another Rotarian of the Morningside Club who has received considerable support for charities (particularly school children) who needed blankets in Gauteng. Every year the Blanket Committee meets with blanket manufacturer, Sesli Textiles, to determine the pricing and numbers of blankets that may be required for that year. NGOs, regular donors, charities, private companies are then approached by Beverly on behalf of The Rotary Club of Morningside to look into if they wish to support the blanket drive initiative again. In addition, new supporters are found through blanket awareness drives that occur at the Morningside Shopping Center or the Lonehill Shopping Center where the public can be involved by donating or assisting with drives to raise money for blanket purchases.