Radisson RED Cape Town Hosts Successful Winter Blanket Drive

In a heartwarming display of compassion and unity, Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town embraced its commitment to social responsibility by once again hosting the annual Blanket Drive event on Saturday, 17 June 2023, which saw quite a few Capetonians brave the icy cold and wet conditions to get cold, so others could get warm. This special occasion, now in its second year, is set to become a cherished annual tradition.

The iconic Radisson RED Cape Town Rooftop venue was abuzz with excitement as the event received an overwhelming response from both the media and the public. “We are proud to announce that Radisson RED Cape Town collected an impressive number of 260 blankets to donate to the incredible 9Miles Project,” said the hotel’s Lead Marketing Manager, Dayle Theunissen. The 9Miles Project is a local organization dedicated to assisting those in need.

The Blanket Drive initiative was started in 2022 out of recognition of the enormous challenges that winter brings for people without shelter or warmth. It aimed to provide much-needed tangible support to the admirable work carried out by the 9Miles Project team. This year is no different, as the chilly winter season makes itself felt across the Cape.

Participants were invited to the rooftop pool area, where they could contribute a new or gently used blanket for every lap they swam. The enthusiasm was infectious as the hotel’s passionate staff, management, and the remarkable 9Miles Project crew led by example, swimming a total of 260 laps to achieve the target of 100 blankets donated by Radisson RED Cape Town itself.

The collected blankets were handed over to the 9Miles Project, ensuring that they would reach individuals in need across Cape Town. This partnership exemplifies Radisson RED Cape Town’s commitment to making a positive impact on the local community.

Carmen Davids from the 9Miles Project expressed her deep appreciation, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to Radisson RED Cape Town for their generous donation of blankets. These blankets will make a real difference in the lives of those who are most in need. Thank you for your compassion and support.

“The blankets we received last year were useful in so many ways. We were able to donate some to the children and families in our programmes, we shared some with a local ECD – Vonny’s BabyCare Centre – which looks after many of the children from the Camp Road informal settlements in Strandfontein, and some are in use in our Youth Centre at Strandfontein Pavilion and come in handy on cold days, or when the kids want to snuggle up with a movie and popcorn.”

Leonie Andereya, the General Manager of Radisson RED Cape Town, expressed her happiness with how the day played itself out.

“We wanted to create awareness for the struggles faced by the homeless in these harsh and cold winter months. The idea was to create an event that not only rallies support from the communities but also is something that’ll catch on and we are thrilled with the overwhelming support we received for this Blanket Drive. The generosity displayed by the public demonstrates the compassion and unity that defines our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to this meaningful cause.

“We hope that this is only the beginning and that other hotels with pools will join us in this mission so that 100 blankets become just a stepping-stone towards greater change,” she said.

The blanket drive will be running until the end of June 2023. Drop-off all blanket donations at The Radisson RED, Cape Town V&A Waterfront. Silo 6, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8001, South Africa.