A Yarn of Generosity by Retired Durban Grandmothers

Members of the Bill Buchanan Knit and Crochet Club, Gloria Carter, Pat Gallus, Joan Pretorius and Ann Murrell with some of the handcrafted items donated to The Domino Foundation. Photo Credit: Supplied

The word “retirement” doesn’t seem to have registered with the senior ladies of the Bill Buchanan Association for the Aged’s Knit and Crochet Group, whose nimble fingers have created the snuggliest knitted goods for Durban’s most vulnerable.

Durban, South Africa (07 December 2025) – At the Bill Buchanan Association for the Aged exists a quiet, powerful force for good: the retired grandmothers who have traded their busy and child-rearing days for the rhythmic click and clack of knitting needles.

For these incredible women, who form the Association’s Knit and Crochet Group in Morningside, their “golden years” are not spent solely on leisure but on a deeply felt mission of compassion.

The skilled hands of this “cosy” (a group of knitting and crochet enthusiasts) have been busy all year working with double and treble crochets to create warm blankets to ward off the cold and cosy beanies that provide a sense of dignity. All destined for The Domino Foundation, which, through its programmes like the Early Childhood Development and Babies’ Home, lifts Durban’s most vulnerable.

Knitters, Joan Pretorius and Ann Murrell, described how the group (two of whom are in their 90s) gathers informally to enjoy each other’s company and share their common pleasure in making items to brighten the lives of people with limited means.

“It is with pleasure that we have handed over 10 blankets, 27 beanies, 17 scarves, 4 jerseys, 2 bucket hats and 33 teddy bears to Domino. We are thrilled that our handiwork is going to the township preschoolers and the tiny residents of the Babies Home. How marvellous to see how all our hard work has added up!” said Joan.

Domino’s Education Co-Ordinator, Nicky Walton, was on hand to receive the donation and expressed her gratitude for the wonderful group.

“It is a delight to see the more senior members of our community with such a heart for the younger members of our community. We received items of the finest quality from the Knit and Crochet Group, and it is always with gratitude that these are passed to our beneficiaries.”

Nicky added that, even though the winter months are a way off still, there is always a need for items like these.

The group is always very happy to receive donations of double-knit wool with which to continue their good work. Interested members of the public should contact Nicky at education@domino.org.za.