By Olwethu Wessels
Something is happening in a cosy lounge inside Settlers Close retirement home, and it involves baskets of wool, knitting needles on the go and an important mission.
It was hot outside the day Grocott’s Mail called but this room oozed extra warmth – from the spirit of the women who gather there to knit. Lines of Father Christmas dolls are ready for seasonal duty. Vibrant blues, pinks, reds, and greens spill from wool baskets. But there’s serious purpose to the other dolls that roll off the knitters’ needles.
For young children who have experienced abuse in any way, soft toys can both comfort and heal. Audrey van Aardt’s son, Martin, a retired police officer who is passionate about his work with children who have experienced abuse, had the idea first. “When Martin told us about what these kids go through, it broke our hearts,” Van Aardt said. “He explained how a doll could be more than a toy. It could become something to hold onto, something that gives comfort when everything else has been taken away, and we were glad that he brought this idea to us.” The women set about knitting for the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) unit.
It can take years for police to arrest a perpetrator by which time a child’s doll is worn out. These women knit them another one.
But the healing is not one-way.
The project has been a source of connection and renewed purpose for the warriors with wool. Mariette Steyn and Diann Bates, who lost their life partners, were navigating the grief that can come with retirement. “We were down and out,” Steyn said. Until they started knitting again, giving them a reason to smile and laugh, and a purpose.
The knitting room is always buzzing, filled with teasing, storytelling, and shared joy. Knitting also keeps their minds active and hands busy – even for those struggling with poor eyesight. “We’ve got bad eyesight, but that’s no excuse,” Van Aardt said.
According to Bates, who enjoys experimenting with colours and styles, “Mariette talks to her dolls before they leave. Sometimes she even gives them names! I’m not heartsore when the dolls go. I’m just excited they’re finally leaving because I know a child’s going to be so happy.
“We even sew little hearts on the dolls,” Bates added. “It’s our way of sending love so the kids can see it and feel it.”
Project manager Steyn said, “We laugh a lot here. It’s a sad topic, but this project brings us joy. It brings us together. We would do anything for kids.”
The first batch of dolls went to children in Riebeeck East, a memory which still makes the knitters emotional. “They were so happy because they didn’t expect it – it’s nice to receive something unexpectedly,” Van Aardt said. During a recent handover, the Port Alfred and Makhanda FCS units came to Settlers Close to collect two full boxes of teddies, beanies and even a blanket for child victims. The FCS team, Captain Sangotsha, Warrant Officer Mafani, and Constable Sandra Catherine, shared stories and heartfelt thanks with their allies.
“We know SAPS gets a lot of criticism,” Van Aardt said. “But after seeing how they work with these kids – we realise it’s hard and they’re doing their best. They care.”
Meanwhile, the women of Settlers Close also raise funds and solicit donations of wool. “I wish more people would catch onto this,” said Van Aardt. “It should be like the flu – contagious kindness.”
What would these women like to say to the children receiving their dolls? Steyn pauses. “I wish I could take all the hurt away. They’re all in our hearts.”
