Remembering Douwe Steyn: A Tribute to a Philanthropic Legacy
It has been just over a month since the passing of Douwe Steyn, the beloved husband of Carolyn Steyn. Despite her grief, Carolyn continues to honor his memory through their shared philanthropic initiative of knitting blankets for those in need.
“The ethos of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has always been about spreading warmth and happiness,” said Carolyn Steyn, reflecting on their mission.
On the United Nations International Day of Happiness, March 20th, the annual 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day event will take place at Nelson Mandela University. This year’s celebration marks the launch of the ‘Journey to the Hugest Happiness Blanket’ initiative, where all collected blankets will contribute to creating the iconic Hugest Happiness Blanket destined for the Eastern Cape.
These blankets, once laid out at Nelson Mandela University, will not only serve as a visual spectacle but also as a source of comfort for individuals and families in need across the country. One out of every four blankets will remain in Gqeberha, providing warmth to those in the Eastern Cape.
The distribution of these blankets to organizations like Missionvale Care Centre, Umphanda Foundation for Autism, and Ekuphumleni Elderly Home will take place on March 20th and 21st, coinciding with Human Rights Day and emphasizing the right to human dignity.
Established in 2013 by Carolyn Steyn, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day was inspired by a challenge from Zelda la Grange, Mandela’s personal assistant, to crochet 67 blankets in honor of Mandela’s legacy.
Mourning the Loss of Douwe Steyn
In early February, the world mourned the loss of Douwe Steyn, a revered businessman and philanthropist. Tributes poured in from politicians, entertainers, and those whose lives he had touched.
Since Douwe’s passing, Carolyn Steyn has shared heartfelt posts on her Instagram, reflecting on their time together and the impact he had on her life. On what would have been their wedding anniversary, she expressed the ache in her heart at celebrating without him by her side.
In a poignant message just days after his death, Carolyn shared the depth of her grief, describing how her heart and soul had shattered into a million pieces. She spoke of Douwe as her everything, her soul mate, and her reason for being.
As Carolyn continues to navigate life without her beloved husband, she finds solace in carrying on their shared mission of spreading warmth and happiness through 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. Douwe’s legacy lives on through the impact he made on those in need and the love he shared with Carolyn.
