Hello!

We run an Australian based online crocheting and knitting charity website, www.knit-a-square.com, in conjunction with a South African run organisation, Soweto Comfort Club.  

The website has been set up to request the knitters and crocheters of the world to send an 8 x 8" (20 x 20cm) square or more to be made into blankets for abandoned children, and AIDS orphans who have been infected or affected by HIV/AIDS of southern Africa.

There are an estimated 1.4 million orphans in South Africa, many of them as a result of losing their parents to HIV AIDS. The number is growing - over 500 children a day become orphans. This is a terrible and mostly unrecognised human tragedy.

The orphans live in awful poverty. They lack love, shelter, food, education and warmth. Many charities are working hard to provide the first four of these basic human needs. knit-a-square asks that the knitters and crocheters of the world provide the last - warmth.

As of Tuesday the 4th of June, 9352 squares have arrived in South Africa, from hundreds of cities, towns and villages from 27 countries around the world, mostly the US, Canada and Britain, but many from Australia and South Africa as well. 647 items of crocheted and knitted clothing have been sent as well, including beanies, vests and pullovers.

Traffic to the site averages more than 600 visitors a day. The database for its ezine subscribers totals 1,600 and there are several online knit-a-square groups, a forum with over a 300 members, Facebook and Ravelry.com with more than 300 members each.

Our next major focus is to ask schools to be involved with a program to teach children to knit or crochet and the importance of giving. The benefit of this project is that it is accessible and children will realise that their one square will make a difference to an abandoned, orphaned or sick child.

Have a look at the site as we are very keen to continue to build the number of knitters and crocheters taking part. This very worthwhile charity has the added benefit of raising awareness of this terrible human tragedy.

Hope to see you there!