88-year-old Linda spent her time knitting a special gift for a hardworking young man to help keep him warm during the winter; here is Nico wearing his new gift.
Free State, South Africa (20 April 2023) – As winter approaches, many people are thinking about donations that will keep animals warm. One generous donor went beyond and knitted a sweater and beanie for Nico, who works with the Cluny Animal Trust, to keep him warm in the chilly Free State weather.
The Cluny Animal Trust was founded in 2011. The organisation serves small towns in part of the Free State, namely Clarens and Fouriesburg with a focus on the township communities.
The Trust was placed on our radar in mid-2019 when they started making 100 dog kennels to get through the freezing cold winters. They gave the kennels to families from local informal settlements, thus ensuring each pet had somewhere safe to sleep during the cold weather.
When the pandemic rolled around, the organisation again rallied supporters, this time making up pet food parcels. They handed out hundreds of bags of pet food, so that pet owners wouldn’t have to worry about the animals going hungry.
Being located in the Free State, winters get bitterly cold so every warming donation is welcomed. Nico’s knitted sweater and beanie are already making a difference!
“Gina [Cloutman] gave Nico a gift that her mom had made specially for him and in the gift bag was a hand-knitted beanie and jersey! Our mornings are getting colder and darker each day and so this gift is appreciated and has come at just the right time. Here is Nico modelling it this morning, and we think he looks pretty spiffy!”
Mom Linda, who is 88 years old, spent a great deal of time knitting Nico’s gift to make sure he stays extra snug on the coming chilly days. She made the garments with love and we can see it!
As winter starts encroaching on us all, we promise to keep you warm by sharing more heartwarming stories like this one.
If you would like to support the Cluny Animal Trust (or its helpers), you can find out more via Facebook here.
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