Helderberg Hospice Reaches 106,763 Crochet / Knitted Squares for Mandela Day

Helderberg Hospice's Squares for Care campaign closed on Friday 17 July 2026 with a final count of 106,763 squares, unofficially exceeding the current Guinness World Record for the largest display of granny squares by over 6,000 pieces.

The campaign, which launched on World Cancer Day (4 February 2026) and culminated in a community celebration on Mandela Day (17 July 2026), drew volunteers from at least 18 towns across 6 provinces, from Langebaan on the West Coast to Tzaneen in Limpopo, Bloemfontein in the Free State to Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.

The final tally translates to over 2,224 blankets, each one made from 48 hand-crocheted or knitted squares, now ready to bring warmth, dignity and comfort to patients receiving palliative care through Helderberg Hospice.

A community effort beyond the record

"This was never really about the record," said Robert de Wet, CEO at Helderberg Hospice. "It was about building a community around dignity, when people need it most."

The current Guinness World Record for the largest display of crochet squares stands at 100,581, set by Mother India's Crochet Queens in Chennai, India, on 9 March 2025.

Helderberg Hospice's campaign was run as an unofficial effort, given the cost of a formal Guinness record attempt, but the community's result stands on its own as a remarkable achievement.

Contributions came from every corner of the community, including a 101-year-old volunteer from Langverwag Aftreeoord who continued knitting for the campaign throughout, schools including Totius Laerskool in Bellville, Hoërskool Strand and Helderberg International School.

Mandela Day celebrations and the next phase

Mandela Day celebrations took place at Helderberg Hospice's Hall and Garden in Somerset West, where volunteers spent their 67 minutes of service sorting and packing squares, crocheting in the garden, and tending to the Hospice's Garden of Remembrance.

The day culminated in a final count announcement and a blanket gifting ceremony, where completed blankets were presented directly to patients in Helderberg Hospice's care.

With well over 100,000 squares now collected, Helderberg Hospice's next task is turning them into finished blankets.

The organisation is calling on volunteers with crochet or knitting experience to help join completed squares together.

Those interested in assisting with this next phase are encouraged to contact the Hospice directly.

Helderberg Hospice extends its sincere thanks to every volunteer, donor and supporter who made this achievement possible, including Vinnis Colours, Moya Yarn, Elle Yarns, The Wool Shoppe, Samil Natural Fibres, The Crafters Inn, Port and Starboard Wool and Hobby Shop, Elna Die Wolnessie, Shoprite Checkers, The Biscuitry, and Darling Orchids.

For further information, interview requests, photographs from the event, or to volunteer for blanket joining, please contact Samantha Barnard at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 021 852 4608