What Counts is the Difference We Have Made in the Lives of Others
Giving Back to Celebrate the Life and Work of Nelson Mandela

Weinberg Housing and Resource Center Executive Director, Lee Martin and Veronica Buzby, Ambassador for 67 Blankets.

Nelson Mandela’s legacy and his commitment to social justice will never be forgotten.

To commemorate the fourth anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s passing and to celebrate his legacy, the South African embassy selected Catholic Charities of Baltimore’s Weinberg Housing and Resource Center, (WHRC) as the recipient of hundreds of hand-made, knitted scarves created by the non-profit, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.

“Catholic Charities is grateful for this generous and heartfelt gift from 67 Blankets and is appreciative of the South African Embassy’s acknowledgment of our work in helping the disenfranchised of Maryland,” said Lee Martin, WHRC Program Director, as he spoke before the audience gathered at the Washington, D.C. embassy. During frigid winter temperatures, the Weinberg Housing and Resource Center provides a safe haven for up to 470 men and women who are experiencing homelessness in Baltimore City.

Catholic Charities Staff (L-R): Linnett Bennett, Business Office Coordinator, Michelle Smalls, Case Manager, and Lee Martin, Executive Director of Weinberg Housing and Resource Center

The blankets were knitted by members of the non-profit, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, which was started in 2009 in conjunction with the declaration of Nelson Mandela Day by the United Nations. Based in South Africa, the group distributes thousands of hand-knitted items to people in need. Because Mandela Day is a global initiative, the non-profit encourages blankets to remain in the country where they are knitted.  The scarves and blankets presented to WHRC were knitted in Ellicott City by Veronica Buzby, an Ambassador for 67 Blankets.

On Christmas Eve, the men and women of WHRC were presented with the hand-made scarves along with other gifts as part of the Adopt-a-Resident holiday event.

As Nelson Mandela stated in 2009, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

“It is in your hands to make of the world a better place,” Nelson Mandela said as he called upon the younger generation to continue working for social justice and do charitable acts when celebrating Nelson Mandela day.

After serving 27 years as a political prisoner, Nelson Mandela was freed in 1990 and negotiated the end of apartheid in South Africa bringing peace to a racially divided country and leading the fight for human rights around the world. In 1994, Nelson Mandela was elected the first black President of South Africa and served until 1999. In 2013, he passed away.

Click here to listen and view the music video about 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.