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2025 KAS BARN VOLUNTEERS

Posted by Amy on January 21, 2025 at 9:28am in WHAT'S GOING ON IN SOUTH AFRICA

13417715077?profile=RESIZE_400xA New Year a New Banner from Ada.

This discussion will have photos and reports from our volunteers in South Africa.

You will see post and parcels coming into The Barn, Lots of Sorting and Bundling, and Blanket Making.  

You will hear funny stories and reports about our volunteers.

Please check back regularly to see what is going on in the KAS BARN.

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  • Amy June 24, 2025 at 1:35am

    From Ronda on June 23, 2025...

    Johannesburg and surrounding highveld areas are experiencing a very chilly winter … and we still have 2 or 3 months to go 😰 !!
    Blankets are flying off the shelves … as you will see from the pics. We have received many requests for blankets, beanies and handwarmer sets to keep the creche children warm.
    13641014252?profile=RESIZE_400xWow … shelves looking a bit empty but that means three or four hundred warmer kids.
    13641014274?profile=RESIZE_400xa rather too tidy store-room … but in a few weeks it could look QUITE different!
    13641015059?profile=RESIZE_400xKAS is a fun place … always something to smile at.
    13641020892?profile=RESIZE_400xOur blanket cake … ably photographed by Nathi.
     
     
    But … there’s always a silver lining and we DO have 3 or 4 Gogo groups who have completed their blankets and are ready for more squares to sew … and so the wheel turns !
    13641015458?profile=RESIZE_400xHere’s Viv in mid-sentence … she’s the KAS chatterbox, sewing on a KAS label.
    13641016659?profile=RESIZE_400xNomsa from Orange Farm - helping Wandi to sew KAS labels on blankets!
     
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    We are all sewing labels onto the blankets in stock before packing up for distribution.
    13641018885?profile=RESIZE_400xBongi, ( in purple top) and friends collecting the blankets set aside for their creche.
    13641019287?profile=RESIZE_400xInnocentia, who accompanied Nomsa to the Barn to collect items for distribution, enjoying tea … Lindi too.
    13641019698?profile=RESIZE_400xNathi and Josh … our heavy lifters.
    13641020658?profile=RESIZE_400xKate collected 100 blankets last week for distribution to her projects for vulnerable children.
     
     
    It’s been good to receive some soft toys … we were getting low on stocks - and we also look forward to a good postal collection next week to replenish the beanie and handwarmer stocks.
     
  • Amy June 11, 2025 at 8:11am

    News from Estelle...June 10, 2025.

    Thank goodness for KNIT-A-SQUARE, all their contributors and volunteers.
     
    All the thousands of squares that flow into KNIT-A-SQUARE each week make it possible for us to warm hundreds of vulnerable children. Thankfully we only need one blanket per child.
    13581453271?profile=RESIZE_400xLiz’s seahorse creation…we love your seahorses.
    13581453500?profile=RESIZE_400xExquisite blanket from Sharon B. Is this Tunisian crochet?
    13581453689?profile=RESIZE_400xThis one grew and grew and grew. She started with a strip of 8 squares (not normal) then added onto the other side and carried on from there. Never fear everything is used at KNIT-A-SQUARE. I’m sure a homeless guy will love the warmth of this blanket tomorrow night.
     
    In the past couple of weeks we have not stuck to our fortnightly meetings as we’ve had Liz and then Elaine away and today we missed Audrey who is recovering from surgery.
    13581451664?profile=RESIZE_400xThanks girls we accomplished everything we set out to do today.
    13581451856?profile=RESIZE_400xWendy Audrey’s daughter brought a bag of teddies and Audrey’s completed blankets - lots of love to you Audrey.
     
     
    Ana popped in this afternoon with her blankets one of which really made me smile.
    13581451084?profile=RESIZE_400x
    Ronda and Ana spent a delightful morning just catching up with all the KAS news and on another occasion Liz very kindly came to help me sort and size the 796 squares from Saint Stithians Prep.
    13581451272?profile=RESIZE_400xRonda and Ana counting stunning squares from Ali.
    13581451883?profile=RESIZE_400xLiz spent the morning with me sorting squares from Saints.
     
    I collected 4 fabulous blankets from Sweetie. Squares from Ada Breeuwer, Sharon B and many more.
    13581452463?profile=RESIZE_400xGorgeous Aran Cathy Riley squares… just right for this weather Cath.
     
    13581452481?profile=RESIZE_400xDelightful appliqués from Bev plus beautifully knitted squares.
    13581452685?profile=RESIZE_400x
    13581452893?profile=RESIZE_400xIt’s such a treat receiving these ultra soft cuddly toys from Sharon B. Thank you so much often it’s the first toy some of our children have received and they can’t believe that it’s theirs to keep.
     
    You might have gathered that it’s bitterly cold in Johannesburg, she said not jokingly...
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  • Amy May 16, 2025 at 7:11am

    An update from Ronda in The Barn May 15, 2025.

    Reporting from the KASbarn 15/05/25 … a chilly day and we have been busy distributing as many blankets as we can. Distribution pics being sorted to send by email.
    13556559901?profile=RESIZE_400xChoosing the “comfort bear” toy for their distribution to Thembi Daycare in Soweto today!
    13556560266?profile=RESIZE_400xPacked and ready to leave the Barn.
    13556560285?profile=RESIZE_400xReady to roll …
    13556560473?profile=RESIZE_400x
     
    13556562673?profile=RESIZE_400xHappy KASteam members. 
    13556558277?profile=RESIZE_400xOur Viv enjoying her breakfast.
    13556558484?profile=RESIZE_400xJoel and Nathi - likewise.
    13556558895?profile=RESIZE_400xLindi’s lovely smiley face to lift your spirits.
    13556559480?profile=RESIZE_400xJan made these great squares.
    13556559867?profile=RESIZE_400xAnd Sal made these.
     
    13556562685?profile=RESIZE_400xQuite a tidy barn but we have lots of blankets ready for distribution and spent time sewing KAS labels onto them! 
     
    We have an opportunity to send blankets and blanket packs to Zimbabwe for up to 100 children … and this could be repeated if all goes according to plan - thanks to my Zim family members and the church to which they belong.
     
     
    We found the first album Wendy compiled and have included some “pics of pics” from the early years of KAS - more to come...
    13556560873?profile=RESIZE_400xAhhh back to the past ! This is the day we received our beloved KASvan in 2013 ! I’m pretty sure it was 16th May as well.
    13556561263?profile=RESIZE_400xAnd we’re still THAT fond of each other.
    13556561292?profile=RESIZE_400xErin and a darling little guy- Christmas distribution in Alex if I remember correctly?
    13556561670?profile=RESIZE_400xDear Marcy - one of our special US volunteers in 2010/11.
    13556562053?profile=RESIZE_400xSweetest little face here, so wistful! She must be at least 16 or 17 years old now!!
    13556562465?profile=RESIZE_400xHeart-melters.
    13556562495?profile=RESIZE_400xI so remember this child at a distribution in Dobsonville …
     
     
    Thanks to our contributors for ongoing parcel collections from the PO!
    13556557678?profile=RESIZE_400x
     
    We would LOVE to thank each one of you personally but sadly that’s not possible.
     
    13556560658?profile=RESIZE_400xThe green corrugated iron fence removed and now we have a garden instead ! How pleasant ?
    • Karen Gordon > Amy May 19, 2025 at 7:46am

      Just taken time to review all these aged pictures.  What happy and dedicated teams KAS has had the benefit of good fortune, from the groups of volunteers over the years right up to the current date. 

    • Sharon B > Amy May 16, 2025 at 3:32pm

      How the years have flown!   I remember the day I read about the arrival of the van.  And being so amazed at that fabulous gift.   It has served so well for 12 years!   Hopefully, it will keep on truckin' for another 12 years.

  • Amy May 15, 2025 at 1:31am

    News from Estelle on May 13, 2025...

    There’s nothing like getting a big blue IKEA bag filled with super squares crotcheted for KNIT-A-SQUARE. Thanks Mili Kus from Croatia. These will go a long way to make much needed blankets for our children.
    13555711860?profile=RESIZE_400x
    After a break of a few weeks it was great to see Liz and Audrey armed with beautiful blankets to add to the ones we received in the post. Many thanks to all for the squares, blankets, hand warmers and toys that keep on flowing in.
    13555712055?profile=RESIZE_400xFrom Sharon B.
    13555712067?profile=RESIZE_400xAnother on from Sharon.
    13555712259?profile=RESIZE_400xSuper appliqué squares from Bev Jeffery and stitched together by Audrey.
    Pat Zimmerman I added 5 of your super orange squares to the bundle.
    13555712086?profile=RESIZE_400xSo pretty…one Liz brought in today.
    13555712859?profile=RESIZE_400xThis one arrived in the post from A Habberfield this morning. It’s lovely thank you.
     
    Our show and tell are some of the blankets we have received recently 21 blankets from Audry, 10 from Liz and 2 from me.
    13555712292?profile=RESIZE_400xChristmas is around the corner its fabulous Audrey and all our talented contributors.
    13555712662?profile=RESIZE_400xMade with squares from the big blue bag by Audrey.
    13555712878?profile=RESIZE_400xOne of mine….blessed with beautiful squares to work with.
     
    All the photos will be posted in The Blanket Room.
     
    • Karen Gordon > Amy May 19, 2025 at 7:47am

      Such varied + beautiful creative bounty ❤️

    • Sharon B > Amy May 15, 2025 at 3:11am

      While it is always exciting to see my blankets have reached Africa and are ready for distribution, I loved this whole collection.   The applique squares look so good in a blanket.  I love the stylish Christmas Trees in the green Christmas blanket.  The pink and blue/purple Granny squares make wonderful blankets.

  • Amy April 17, 2025 at 8:35am

    Estelle's report from April 15...

    Just three of us for our KNIT -A -SQUARE get together this morning. We have been blessed once again opening post with delightful squares and beautiful blankets just in time for our cooler temperatures.  Many of the blankets and squares have been created and donated by our amazing contributors who have supporting KAS for over 15 years. 
    13537026862?profile=RESIZE_400xA fan BIG bag of goodies from Bev. I see some fabulous blankets coming out of this lot Bev.
    13537026885?profile=RESIZE_400xAnd just as exciting a box filled with picture squares from…our children will treasure the blankets they’re incorporated in forever. What about that gorgeous giraffe?
    13536520062?profile=RESIZE_400xA stunner from Lesley King.
    13536520086?profile=RESIZE_400xBeautiful colours from Chris Chiplen.
    13536518465?profile=RESIZE_400xGorgeous and soft from Patricia Underwood.
     
    See more in the Blanket Room.
     
    Last week we wished Sheldon all the best for his adventure in Australia…in fact he has arrived there and no doubt he will be a credit to his hosts. We will all miss you Sheldon.
    13536518860?profile=RESIZE_400x
    Liz is also away visiting her family in Australia…missed you as well.
    • Karen Gordon > Amy April 17, 2025 at 11:16pm

      Amazing contributions from Bev, Chris, Amy and others.   I love that we have our own signature staple ideas which can be recognised by eyesight before we read names.   We know, respect and admire each others styles and strengths so well ⭐. Thank you folks, keep up the good work xx

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