History was made this year when a cheque for US$250 000 was handed over to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria on behalf of the United Against Malaria (UAM) campaign, making it the first time that Africa is giving – instead of receiving – in order to help its own continent. The way the money has been raised, through the sale of Relate Trust bracelets, is a story in itself. As a global ‘wrist action’ movement takes hold – beaded bracelets are now all the rage – around 100 sustainable jobs in direct relation to the UAM Relate bracelet, have been created … and it is estimated that each person employed in making this bracelet is feeding another five hungry mouths every day.
Relate Trust manages the entire production of the Relate bracelets and creates regular income for a number of small groups including mentally challenged, unemployed, unskilled and illiterate locals and refugees as well as a group of senior citizens, who in turn often care for orphaned children. From UAM, as the campaign was set to run from the World Cup in 2010 until the next one in Brazil in 2014, these people will continue to earn an income for years.
Motivation for the Relate Trust workers is massive; not only are they making a real difference in the lives of their families but they’re also happy in the knowledge that the bracelet goes on to raise funds for other good causes. The bracelets connect their needs with the needs of others in the world; each bracelet is sealed with a custom made pewter “connector” bead often stamped with the initiator’s logo or the beneficiary’s own logo as well as a signature pewter “R” bead – a symbol of authenticity.
The Relate Trust is an established philanthropic, ethical, non-profit Trust operating in Cape Town and the bracelet projects help to positively change lives. By wearing the bracelet – wrist action – you carry the symbolism of Respect, Recognition and Responsibility for yourself and for the plight of others. With the aim of connecting workers, corporations and causes across the globe, the message of the bracelet is that it is ‘more than a string of beads … it’s a lifeline’.
Other beneficiaries that are nominated by the organisations that commission the Relate Trust bracelets include Ikamva Labantu, Reach for a Dream, Soccer 4 Hope and The Shine Centre. Clients and supporters of Relate bracelets, in addition to UAM, include Hyundai, Protea Hotels, the EMS faculty at UWC and Nando’s.
The Relate bracelets are sold in South Africa for R25 each. Income from the sale is split with around two-thirds going to production (including the maker’s fee) and a third going to a chosen beneficiary. In the case of UAM for example, the Relate Trust has committed US$1 to the and, for every ten bracelets sold, UAM will buy one mosquito net, which will provide protection for two children for five years.