Year: 2014

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The Bead Coalition and Save the Rhino International unite for rhinos

Today on Monday 22 September 2014, on World Rhino Day 2014, Save the Rhino International (SRI) is pleased to announce a new partnership with The Bead Coalition. On this day, people around the world celebrate all five rhino species and seek to raise funds and awareness to protect rhinos from the current poaching crisis. Poaching of rhinos for their horns is the biggest threat to the rhino’s survival, with the number of rhinos killed increasing by 7,600% since 2007 in South Africa alone. Wildlife trafficking (the third largest illegal trade after drugs and arms) destroys wildlife, threatens global security and affects employment of poorer local communities.
The Bead Coalition will help raise vital funds for rhino conservation through donating 20% of the recommended retail price to SRI for every Rhino Force bracelet sold in Europe. The Bead Coalition will also support SRI globally, by donating 20% of the recommended retail price of every Rhino Force bracelet purchased through the Bead Coalition’s website (www.beadcoalition.com). The support from The Bead Coalition and all those who purchase Rhino Force bracelets in Europe and online will help raise awareness of the rhino poaching crisis and help SRI deliver its support through conservation activities to protect all rhino species across 17 field programmes in Africa and Asia.
SRI is a vibrant UK based charity which works to protect all five rhino species in Africa and Asia and support the communities that share their habitat. By funding anti-poaching and monitoring patrols, environmental education, community conservation and demand reduction activities, SRI’s goal is to deliver long-lasting and widespread benefits to rhinos, ecosystems and local communities.
SRI’s Corporate Relations Manager, Josephine Gibson says “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Bead Coalition on World Rhino Day 2014. Sadly, three rhinos are being been killed per day on average so far this year in South Africa alone (with 769 rhinos poached in the country by 10 September 2014). This year the number of rhino deaths (from poaching and natural mortalities) could overtake the number of rhino births, leading to overall rhino numbers going into decline. It’s a very important time for rhinos, and a partnership with The Bead Coalition will help support our field programmes to protect rhinos from ruthless criminal syndicates.”

To find out more about The Bead Coalition, you can visit www.beadcoalition.com

-ENDS-

Issued by Save the Rhino International (Registered Charity No. 1035072)
T: 0044 20 7357 7474
E: corporate@savetherhino.org
About Save the Rhino International
Save the Rhino International (SRI) works to conserve viable populations of critically endangered rhinos in Africa and Asia. By funding field projects and through education, its goal is to deliver material, long-lasting and widespread benefits to rhinos and other endangered species, ecosystems and to the people living in these areas. It aims to increase the number of rhinos in genetically viable populations in the wild; enhance the integrity of ecosystems and to ensure that local communities benefit from conservation activities.
www.savetherhino.org
About The Bead Coalition
The Bead Coalition (Proprietary) Limited is a commercial organisation based in South Africa. The Coaltiion’s collections include bespoke branded, cause-related, custom-made and licenced accessories. A wide range of local and international accessory items are designed, source, crafted and sold worldwide. ‘Feel good, look good, does good’ is the mission statement of this organisation. The Bead Coalition donate 20% of profits to charity.
From more information contact info@beadcoalition.com or call +27 83 609 1111
www.beadcoalition.com

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THE BEAD CO. DONATES R14,136 TO IAPF FROM BRACELETS

Logo[4] IAPF Landscapepic 5jpg edit

July 2014

The Bead Coalition donated R14,136.00 to the International Anti Poaching Foundation (IAPF) this month, from the sale of hand-beaded, red, black and white RHINO FORCE bracelets. This helps fund anti poaching teams protecting rhino in Southern Africa.
Anti-poaching rangers form the first line of defence for our wildlife. Without the right training and equipment, they cannot defend natural areas. The IAPF believes in wildlife conservation through direct action. It develops, implements and manages: Anti-poaching ranger training; conservation security plans; wildlife crime information systems and more. In 2009, Damien Mander, a former Australian Royal Navy Clearance Diver and Special Operations military sniper, formed the IAPF to use his unique skills for conservation. See more at: http://www.iapf.org/en/about/iapf-info#sthash.aed3s65o.dpuf

The Bead Co. bracelets are made in a rural beading community in NW Province, thereby supporting local employment.

Buy your RHINO FORCE bracelets at CNA or online www.beadcoalition.com to keep making a difference. To order, call 083 609 1111 or email order@beadcoalition.com

ENDS

 

Issued by The Bead Coalition

T: 083 609 1111

www.beadcoalition.com / lisa@thebeadco.co.za

About The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd

The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a private commercial business based in Johannesburg. We identity specific causes, we create awareness and design themed, bespoke, beaded bracelets. Hand-made by previously unemployed communities in rural South Africa, the sale of our beaded range raises funds to make significant environmental, conversational and humanitarian change. Other bracelets include RHINO FORCE, OCEAN FORCE and QHUBEKA CYCLE FORCE amongst others. www.beadcoalition.com

About International Anti Poaching Foundation (IAPF)

The IAPF is an organisation that brings key solutions to the front-lines of conservation, helping rangers to protect wildlife and surrounding ecosystems.

www.iapf.org

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RHINO FORCE BRACELETS DONATE R12,337.50 TO BLACK RHINO RELOCATION

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8 July 2014

 

The Bead Coalition, donated R12,337.50 to Wilderness Wildlife Trust,from May 2014 RHINO FORCE bracelet sales. A black rhino relocation project underway, aims to establish a core population of rhino in Botswana.

Wilderness Wildlife Trust, along with other important sponsors, including RHINO FORCE have successfully completed the first part of the project.

“We look forward to completing the translocation process in the next few months and ensuring that these rhino are well looked after in their new home”, Wilderness Safaris Group Conservation Manager, Mr Kai Collins said. Wilderness has contributed to successful rhino conservation for the past 20 years.

The Bead Coalition CEO, Joanne Lapin Thorpe says, “We, as a small commercial organisation, support translocation because it protects and provides a safe haven for our threatened black rhino. We donate 20% of our profits to charity, Wilderness Wildlife Trust is one of our chosen beneficiaries.”

The RHINO FORCE bracelet, beaded in previously disadvantaged rural communities in Africa, is sold globally, and delivered to the world. Purchase online at www.beadcoalition.com

 

ENDS

Issued by The Bead Coalition

T: 083 609 1111

www.beadcoalition.com / lisa@thebeadco.co.za

About The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd

The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a commercial business based in Johannesburg. The organization’s bespoke accessory range includes beaded items hand made by previously unemployed communities in rural South Africa and sold to the world. Cause themed accessories such as the rhino bracelet raise awareness and funds, making significant environmental, conservational change. Other bracelets include OCEAN, CYCLE, LITERACY, HERITAGE, MOTOR NEURON DISEASE and HIV.

www.beadcoalition.com

About Wilderness Wildlife Trust

The Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust supports a wide variety of approximately 30 projects annually in southern Africa, within the categories of wildlife management, research and monitoring, and community empowerment and education. These projects address the needs of existing wildlife populations, seek solutions to save endangered species and provide education and training for local people and their communities. For more than 20 years, the goal of the Wilderness Wildlife Trust has been to make a difference to Africa, her wildlife and her people.

www.wildernesstrust.com

About Wilderness Safaris

Wilderness Safaris is an ecotourism company that specialises in memorable wildlife experiences in some of the most remote and pristine areas in Africa. In this way it offers its guests private access to three million hectares of Africa’s finest wildlife reserves, while remaining fiercely committed to protecting our planet’s precious natural and cultural resources. Recognising that conservation is as much about people as about the environment, the company has pursued important goals through its Children in the Wilderness programme, as well as through the Wilderness Wildlife Trust, which have helped change the face of nature-based tourism in Africa. www.wilderness-safaris.com

 

 

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RHINO FORCE SUPPORT BLACK RHINO TRANSLOCATION TO BOTSWANA

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18 June 2014

 

Wilderness Safaris is delighted to announce the successful capture of a small founder population of Critically Endangered black rhino in a joint collaboration with the Botswana and South African Governments. The rhino are destined for a safe haven in Botswana. This follows the successful capture and release of a group of black rhino last month and is part of an ongoing conservation project to establish a core population of this threatened species in Botswana.

 

“We are extremely proud of the success of this translocation project and the ongoing positive impact Wilderness has made to rhino conservation in Botswana and further afield over the past 20 years. We are very confident that these animals will settle well and breed, given that the habitats available have been assessed as being perfect for black rhino,” says Wilderness Safaris Group Conservation Manager, Kai Collins. He added that Botswana offers a safe refuge for Endangered species with full support and backing offered from the Government and Department of Wildlife and National Parks to secure their safety from potential poachers.

 

The Wilderness Botswana Rhino Project is an ongoing partnership between Wilderness Safaris and the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks. It was started in 2000 with the reintroduction of white rhino from southern Botswana into protected areas in the north of the country. Subsequent reintroductions of white rhino over the next five years increased the population substantially and the success of these rhino can be measured in the recruitment of calves born in the wild.

 

In 2003, a small group of south-central black rhino were introduced into the same area and a single calf was born in 2009. These highly threatened animals are known to have occurred in large numbers, possibly thousands in the mid-nineteenth century in the very area into which they have been introduced.

 

Thanks to extensive fundraising efforts in preparation for this translocation by the Wilderness Wildlife Trust and other important sponsors, including International Rhino Foundation, the Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Rhino Force and Empowers Africa, to name a few, the first part of the project has been a great success. “We look forward to completing the translocation process in the next few months and ensuring that these rhino are well looked after in their new home”, Collins added.

 

 

The Bead Coalition CEO, Joanne Lapin Thorpe says, “I believe private, commercial organisations urgently need to support direct conservation action to make a difference. We believe translocation protects and furthermore provides a safe haven for our endangered black rhino. Our tangible beaded bracelet helps raise funds for this vital project.”

 

The hand-made red, black and white bracelets, beaded in Africa, in previously disadvantaged rural communities, are sold globally, and delivered to the world. Support online at www.beadcoalition.com

 

ENDS

 

Issued by The Bead Coalition

T: 083 609 1111

www.beadcoalition.com / lisa@beadcoalition.com

 

About Wilderness Safaris

Wilderness Safaris is an ecotourism company that specialises in memorable wildlife experiences in some of the most remote and pristine areas in Africa. In this way it offers its guests private access to three million hectares of Africa’s finest wildlife reserves, while remaining fiercely committed to protecting our planet’s precious natural and cultural resources. Recognising that conservation is as much about people as about the environment, the company has pursued important goals through its Children in the Wilderness programme, as well as through the Wilderness Wildlife Trust, which have helped change the face of nature-based tourism in Africa. www.wilderness-safaris.com

 

About Wilderness Wildlife Trust

The Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust supports a wide variety of approximately 30 projects annually in southern Africa, within the categories of wildlife management, research and monitoring, and community empowerment and education. These projects address the needs of existing wildlife populations, seek solutions to save endangered species and provide education and training for local people and their communities. For more than 20 years, the goal of the Wilderness Wildlife Trust has been to make a difference to Africa, her wildlife and her people.

www.wildernesstrust.com

 

 

About The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd

The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a commercial business based in Johannesburg. The organization’s bespoke accessory range includes beaded items hand made by previously unemployed communities in rural South Africa and sold to the world. Cause themed accessories such as the rhino bracelet raise awareness and funds, making significant environmental, conservational change. Other bracelets include OCEAN, CYCLE, LITERACY, HERITAGE, MOTOR NEURON DISEASE and HIV.

www.beadcoalition.com

 

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RHINO FORCE DONATES R217,632 TO ANTI POACHING RANGERS

 

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11 June 2014
Rhino Force, a division of The Bead Coalition, has donated R217,632.00 to York Nature Reserve, adjoining greater Kruger National Park. The Bead Coalition donates a percentage of profit, from the sale of its RHINO FORCE bracelets to rhino conservation. This has funded the monthly salaries of the York anti-poaching team since August 2013.   The Bead Coalition CEO, Joanne Lapin Thorpe says, “Private, commercial organisations urgently need to get behind the direct action of conservation organisations to make a difference.” A massive R5,297,027.71 has been donated to rhino conservation by RHINO FORCE to date, including the facilitation of R1,080,000 to relocate rhino to Botswana. The red, black and white beaded RHINO FORCE bracelets, made by previously disadvantaged communities in rural South Africa, are sold globally, and delivered to the world. Purchase online at www.beadcoalition.com

ENDS  

Issued by The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd
T: 083 609 1111 www.beadcoalition.com / lisa@thebeadco.co.za

About The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd
The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a commercial business based in Johannesburg. The organization’s bespoke accessory range includes beaded items hand made by previously unemployed communities in rural South Africa and sold to the world. Cause themed accessories such as the rhino bracelet raise awareness and funds, making significant environmental, conservational change. Other bracelets include OCEAN, CYCLE, LITERACY, HERITAGE, MOTOR NEURON DISEASE and HIV. www.beadcoalition.com

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RHINO FORCE WIN BCCSA – 50/50 REPRIMANDED

9 June 2014 – RHINO FORCE WIN BCCSA – 50/50 REPRIMANDED

50/50 REPRIMANDED – BCCSA VINDICATE

RHINO FORCE 100% BEHIND RHINO – NOT 50/50.

On 28 October 2013, 50/50 broadcast a feature on SABC 2 regarding Rhino Force, a commercial company that donates a percentage of profit from the sale of beaded bracelets to rhino conservation. Attorney Andrew Boerner of Jurgens Bekker Attorneys lodged a complaint against SABC 2 with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) on behalf of Rhino Force. The BCCSA ruled that SABC 2 was in contravention of Clause 12 and 13 of the BCCSA Free to Air Code stating in the judgment that:

  1. Whilst the original reason for the programme was reasonable and justified, and certainly dealt with a controversial issue of public importance, the programme itself was neither reasonable nor justified. The errors of fact, together with the omission of relevant material, eliminates any justification for such a programme within the ambit of the BCCSA Code.
  2. The programme included facts and opinions that were not based on the truth, or on a reasonable perception of the truth.
  3. Although there were instances of facts fairly indicated by the Respondent, not all such facts were fairly indicated, or they were simply omitted. Therefore, it was not possible for the SABC 2 to claim that it had a reasonable conviction that all the statements it made were true.
  4. Furthermore, the programme created an impression of dishonesty and/or lack of transparency on the part of RhinoForce – an impression which was not based on the facts.
  5. Moreover, the programme referred to facts, or opinion stated as facts, to which RhinoForce was not given a substantively fair right of reply, and in so doing it did not provide sufficient balance to afford audiences the opportunity to form their own opinions.
  6. In the result the complaint was upheld and the SABC reprimanded for its contravention of the Broadcasting Code.

Boerner stated, “The programme portrayed our client as dishonest. It was always our opinion that 50|50 were in breach of the BCCSA’s Code of Conduct. They presented a programme in which controversial issues were discussed, without making reasonable efforts to fairly present all the facts and our clients’ opposing points of view. They also created an impression of dishonesty that was not based on facts. It is most pleasing that the BCCSA has vindicated our client and the complaint against 50/50, SABC 2 has been reprimanded and the complaint upheld. 50|50, despite being an environmental programme, entered into the world of investigative journalism without thoroughly investigating. They were found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct and have been reprimanded accordingly. We trust that lessons have been learnt by 50|50 and its producers and that they will exercise caution in their future reporting. The errors of fact, together with the omission of relevant material, meant that the SABC 2 and 50|50 had no justification for such a programme within the ambit of the BCCSA Code. Dwindling viewership is no excuse for incorrect reporting and irresponsible journalism.” Joanne Lapin Thorpe, CEO of The Bead Coalition, owner of the Rhino Force brand says, “The rhino issue is highly emotive, and stirs the hearts and minds of millions. The scrutiny and investigation of commercial organizations donating millions to rhino conservation should be handled honestly, respectfully and responsibly.” In this instance rhino conservation should have superseded 50|50’s hidden agendas and ill-intended sensationalism. 50|50’s factually incorrect and defamatory broadcast regarding Rhino Force has threatened rhinos greatest hope, the consumer. With 419 rhinos already lost to illegal poaching this year, Rhino Force will fiercely accelerate efforts to save rhinos with their iconic red, black and white beaded bracelet, a simple accessory that has become a world best-seller and a global symbol of rhino conservation. Over 700,000 people proudly wear the bracelet, including HRH Prince Harry. A massive R5,264,690.21 has been raised and donated to rhino conservation by Rhino Force, including the facilitation of R1,080,000.00 for rhino relocation to Botswana. We thank the BCCSA for our vindication.” To learn more you can  read the Rhino Force BCCSA Tribunal’s Judgement here.

About The Bead Coalition

The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a commercial business based in Johannesburg. The organization’s bespoke accessory range include beaded items hand made by previously unemployed communities in rural South Africa and sold to the world. Cause-themed accessories such as the rhino bracelet raise awareness and funds, making significant environmental, conservational change. Other bracelets include OCEAN, CYCLE, LITERACY, HERITAGE, MOTOR NEURON DISEASE and HIV.

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GLOBEFLIGHT’S CAMPAIGN TO SAVE RHINOS SUPPORTING RHINO FORCE

Logo[4]  the Bead Coalition
GlobeFlight
Ilanga Rhino
IAPF’s Damien Mander takes a selfie with Ilanga
pic 5jpg edit

Images:

  • Globeflight’s ‘Ilanga’ will tour the country from July to September by

  • IAPF’s Damien Mander takes a selfie with Ilanga

  • RHINO FORCE bracelets will be sold along the route


5 June 2014

Top South African courier company, Globeflight, has joined the fight to save South Africa’s endangered rhino through a country wide ‘Spot the Rhino’ campaign, whereby Globeflight’s beautifully painted rhino mascot named ‘Ilanga’ (meaning ‘Sunshine’) who will “lead the charge.”

Globeflight hopes to raise funds and awareness for rhino conservation, by choosing two RHINO FORCE beneficiaries to donate to – IAPF (International Anti Poaching Foundation) and Wilderness Wildlife Trust – as well as selling RHINO FORCE bracelets along the way.

Ilanga will tour South Africa and Swaziland in her own specially branded van from 4 July to September. At each town, green 3D rhino puzzles will be distributed at strategic points for people to assemble and take ‘selfie’ photos or videos in interesting and fun locations. The photos must be posted to Globeflight’s Facebook page
(www.facebook.com/Globeflight1), YouTube channel or the company’s Twitter handle (@Globeflight1) to stand a chance to win fantastic prizes.

For every ‘selfie’ posted, Globeflight will donate money towards the Wilderness Wildlife Trust’s Black Rhino relocation project and the IAPF, which, amongst other laudable initiatives, trains anti-poaching rangers.

Entrants must use #Ilanga and # Globeflight in all posts to qualify. Winners will be selected according to the number of ‘likes’ their photo or video receives. Prizes include weekly draws and cash and fantastic hampers.

At the end of the campaign in September, three entrants deemed the ‘most travelled’, ‘most creative’ and ‘best selfie’ will be awarded an all-inclusive three night stay for two at a five star South African resort complete with a wildlife experience.

In addition to the ‘core’ competition, entrants can also win weekly prizes by identifying the landmarks Ilanga will be photographed with along her journey. All participants need do is log on to Globeflight’s website (www.globeflight.com) identify the landmarks and complete the entry form.

In a bid to boost awareness of the campaign, Globeflight has partnered with popular local breakfast show ‘Expresso’ which will track Ilanga’s movements on its website, and assist with judging. The final three winners will be announced on Expresso on the 26th of September.

Local celebrities have already endorsed the interactive campaign. Once the campaign comes to an end, Ilanga will be auctioned at Hyde Park by ‘My Rhino’ to raise additional funds for rhino conservation initiatives.

Ilanga will visit Swaziland, Witbank, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Kruger Park, Richards Bay, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, George, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Kimberly, Johannesburg and Pretoria. For further details on when Ilanga will be in your area, go to www.globeflight.com.

ENDS Issued by The Bead Coalition for Globeflight T: 083 609 1111 www.beadcoalition.com / lisa@thebeadco.co.za

About The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a commercial business based in Johannesburg. The organization’s bespoke accessory range includes beaded items hand made by previously unemployed communities in rural South Africa and sold to the world. Cause themed accessories such as the rhino bracelet raise awareness and funds, making significant environmental, conservational change. Other bracelets include OCEAN, CYCLE, LITERACY, HERITAGE, MOTOR NEURON DISEASE and HIV. www.beadcoalition.com

About Globeflight: Globeflight is a full service, proudly South African courier company. The company has branches across South Africa and enjoys representation in Israel, London and Hong Kong. Globeflight was the first South African courier company to operate outside of the country; is one of the primary preferred suppliers to South Africa’s medical and financial sectors and is the official supplier to SA Rugby. The company has achieved numerous accolades and was recently named top South African courier company by PMR Africa www.globeflight.com

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RHINO FORCE DONATES 4×4 VEHICLE TO IAPF

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The Bead Coalition’s RHINO FORCE division, the home of the best-selling rhino bracelet, has donated a R 280.000.00 4×4 vehicle to the International Anti Poaching Foundation (IAPF), founded by Damien Mander. The vehicle will assist the IAPF to reach remote areas threatened by rhino poaching. The company will be raising the donation through the sale of RHINO FORCE bracelets.

In addition, the IAPF will be receiving 10% of gross profit of every hand-beaded RHINO FORCE bracelet sold in South Africa. (Please visit our website for our other beneficiaries).   Anti-poaching rangers form the first line of defence for our wildlife. Without the right training and equipment, they cannot defend natural areas. The IAPF believes in wildlife conservation through direct action.

It develops, implements and manages: Anti-poaching ranger training; conservation security plans; wildlife crime information systems and more. In 2009, Damien Mander, a former Australian Royal Navy Clearance Diver and Special Operations military sniper, formed the IAPF to use his unique skills for conservation. See more at: http://www.iapf.org “Having RHINO FORCE in our corner is a huge step in the right direction, we are truly grateful.

We are fighting a world wildlife war and the rangers who spend their lives at the front-lines need all the support they can get. I don’t ask you to consider whether or not rangers should be trained or equipped to the genuine levels required, I ask if you will accept the outcome if we do not follow this path?” says Damien Mander, CEO of IAPF.   Red, black and white RHINO FORCE beaded bracelets are worn for rhino conservation globally, and are sold online at www.beadcoalition.com or at various retailers and lodges in Southern Africa for R40 each. We deliver worldwide.

ENDS Issued by The Bead Coalition T: 083 609 1111
www.thebeadco.co.za/ lisa@thebeadco.co.za

About The Bead Coalition

The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a commercial business based in Johannesburg. The organization’s bespoke accessory range include beaded items hand made by previously unemployed communities in rural South Africa and sold to the world. Cause themed accessories such as the rhino bracelet raise awareness and funds, making significant environmental, conservational change. Other bracelets include OCEAN, CYCLE, LITERACY, HERITAGE, MOTOR NEURON DISEASE and HIV. www.thebeadco.co.za

About International Anti Poaching Foundation (IAPF) The IAPF is an organisation that brings key solutions to the front-lines of conservation, helping rangers to protect wildlife and surrounding ecosystems. www.iapf.org

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A Beautiful New HIV / Aids Bracelet Launched

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The Bead Coalition has launched a bracelet for HIV/AIDS. The striking red beaded accessory is handmade by previously disadvantaged women in rural South Africa.   20% from the sale of each of the recommended retail priced bracelet is paid to Pledge a Portion – a registered Non-Profit Organisation, Public Benefit Organisation and a Section 21 Company. The charity fundraising business initiatives are based on a concept of ‘embedded giving’ and building a charitable gift into an unrelated, financial transaction.   468 HIV/Aids bracelets have been sold, to raise vital awareness of HIV/ AIDS and to date the amount of R3,744.00for beneficiaries via Pledge a Portion.

Bracelets have sold predominantly through CNA, one of South Africa’s oldest retail brands, with over 200 stores nationwide.   South Africa is believed to have more people with HIV/AIDS than any other country in the world, and this bracelet is a tangible expression of support and solidarity. Wear it to show you care.   Purchase your HIV/Aids bracelet at any CNA store, Spar Ferndale, Pick n Pay Fourways or online at www.beadcoalition.com for R40, or call 083 609 1111.

Issued by The Bead Coalition T: 083 609 1111 www.beadcoalition.com/ lisa@thebeadco.co.za About The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a private commercial business based in Johannesburg. Themed, bespoke, beaded bracelets are designed, and hand-made by previously disadvantaged communities in rural South Africa.

The sale of the FORCE beaded range raises funds to assist environmental, conversational and humanitarian issues. Other bracelets include RHINO FORCE, OCEAN FORCE and CYCLE FORCE QHUBEKA. www.beadcoalition.com

About Pledge a Portion Pledge-a-Portion assists charities, schools and other NPOs with fundraising for their organisations using innovative fundraising ideas. PAP is a charity and fundraising business initiative based on a concept of embedded giving and building a charitable gift into an unrelated, financial transaction. Non-Profit Organisation Number: 078-502 Public Benefit Organisation Number: 930030953 Section 21 Company Number: 2008/014074/08 Contact person: Bryan Smith Phone: 083 300 8888 Fax: 086 650 1028 Website: www.pledgeaportion.org

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The Bead Coalition Launches the Official Cricket SA Bracelet

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The Bead Coalition (Pty) Ltd, the beaded bracelet company, headed by entrepreneur Joanne Lapin Thorpe, has secured the license to launch an official, licenced supporters bracelet for proud Cricket SA fans. The African accessory is hand-made by previously disadvantaged women in rural South Africa. Being ‘Proudly Protea’ has never been simpler, with a yellow and green beaded bracelet showing your true colours, all day, every day.South Africa is a proud cricket nation, The Proteas only sweat emotion, deliver commitment, practice humility and project pride. This is the substance of our men and women’s national teams. They are the heroes of our nation, dedicated to building the foundation of cricket for generations to come.

Visit www.cricket.co.za for news and updates. Purchase your Cricket SA bracelet at selected Pick n Pays, Meat World Northcliff, any Sneakers stores, or online at www.beadcoalition.com for R40, or call 083 609 1111.

Issued by The Bead Coalition T: 083 609 1111 www.beadcoalition.com/ lisa@thebeadco.co.za

About The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a private commercial business based in Johannesburg. We identity specific causes, we create awareness and design themed, bespoke, beaded bracelets. Hand-made by previously unemployed communities in rural South Africa, the sale of our beaded FORCE range raises funds to make significant environmental, conversational and humanitarian change. Other bracelets include RHINO FORCE, OCEAN FORCE and QHUBEKA CYCLE FORCE amongst others. www.beadcoalition.com

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The Bead Co. Proudly Donates R104,060.15 to Qhubeka from Bracelets

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Qhubeka _July 2013

The Bead Co. Proudly Donates R104,060.15 to Qhubeka from Bracelets

 From the sale of hand-beaded, yellow and black CYCLE FORCE bracelets, The Bead Co. has proudly donated R104,060.15 to Qhubeka in a year. This helps fund more bicycles in communities, to mobilise people and change lives.

Qhubeka Buffalo bicycles are made in SA, and distributed through Wildlands communities via a barter model where people exchange 100 trees or 1,000kg of recycling for a bicycle. Each bicycle comes with a helmet, cable lock, and pump.

The Qhubeka initiative seeks to empower communities by donating bicycles, breaking the cycle of poverty while investing in the youth of South Africa. Children receive a new, durable Qhubeka bike. Designed by World Bicycle Relief for the harshest African conditions, each bicycle is constructed locally, creating additional jobs in vulnerable communities.

The Bead Co. bracelets are made in a rural beading community in NW Province, thereby supporting local employment.

Buy your CYCLE FORCE bracelets at CNA or online www.beadcoalition.com to keep making a difference. To order, call 083 609 1111 or email maureen@thebeadco.co.za

ENDS

Issued by The Bead Coalition

T: 083 609 1111

www.beadcoalition.com / lisa@thebeadco.co.za

About The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd

The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a private commercial business based in Johannesburg. We identity specific causes, we create awareness and design themed, bespoke, beaded bracelets. Hand-made by previously unemployed communities in rural South Africa, the sale of our beaded range raises funds to make significant environmental, conversational and humanitarian change. Other bracelets include RHINO FORCE, OCEAN FORCE and QHUBEKA CYCLE FORCE amongst others. www.beadcoalition.com

About Qhubeka

Qhubeka is an Nguni (Zulu, Xhosa) word that means “to carry on”, “to progress”, “to move forward”. Qhubeka projects aim to help rural communities progress by giving bicycles to children in return for work done to improve their environment and their community. Team MTN-Qhubeka is Africa’s most winning pro cycle race team. The talented athletes race to build exposure for Qhubeka’s rural initiatives and ride to inspire potential new athletes within the community. More than 100,000 bikes have been distributed since 2004. www.qhubeka.org

 

 

 

 

 

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Bead Coalition Launches an official Blue Bulls Beauty

BB Card front_Jan 2014

 

J9 FOUNDATION
BB Bracelet 4[1]

BEAD COALITION LAUNCHES AN OFFICIAL BLUE BULLS BEAUTY

 

The Bead Coalition (Pty) Ltd, the beaded bracelet company, headed by entrepreneur Joanne Lapin Thorpe, has secured the license to launch an official, licenced supporters bracelet for  Vodacom Blue Bulls rugby fans. The African, handmade accessory creates employment for previously disadvantaged women in rural South Africa.

 

Staying TRUE TO THE BLUE, has never been more meaningful and simple, with a beaded bracelet to show your true colours, all day, every day.

 

Joost van der Westhuizen, a past Blue Bulls captain and Springbok player, formed the J9 Foundation to create awareness for Motor Neuron Disease (MND). The Bead Coalition also created Joost’s  MND beaded bracelet that raises global awareness for the disease; The Bead Co. donates a portion of profit from the sale of the bracelets to the J9 Foundation.

Purchase your Blue Bulls bracelet online at www.beadcoalition.com for R40, or call Lisa on 083 609 1111. Available in XL Mens, Ladies and Children sizes.

ENDS

Issued by The Bead Coalition

T: 083 609 1111

www.thebeadco.co.za/ lisa@thebeadco.co.za

About The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd

The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a private commercial business based in Johannesburg.  We identity specific causes, we create awareness and design themed, bespoke, beaded bracelets. Hand-made by previously unemployed communities in rural South Africa, the sale of our beaded FORCE range raises funds to make significant environmental, conversational and humanitarian change. Other bracelets include RHINO FORCE, OCEAN FORCE and QHUBEKA CYCLE FORCE amongst others.  www.beadcoalition.com

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Rhino Force Donates Towards Black Rhino Translocation to Botswana

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Wilderness Safaris logo
Wilderness Wildlife Trust logo

RHINO FORCE DONATES TOWARDS BLACK RHINO  TRANSLOCATION TO BOTSWANA

 

In a joint collaboration with the Botswana Government and Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Wilderness Safaris is thrilled to announce that a small group of Critically Endangered black rhino will be translocated from South Africa to northern Botswana in the first quarter of 2014. This follows the groundbreaking agreements reached with both the North West Parks and SANParks (South African National Parks) boards in February 2014 to each donate a number of black rhino to Botswana. (Please note that the actual figures are not mentioned to ensure the ongoing safety and security of the rhino.)

 

“All the stakeholders involved in this partnership are extremely pleased to announce this agreement, which has been years in the making. We are very confident that these animals will settle well and breed, given that the habitats available have been assessed as being perfect for black rhino,” says Wilderness Safaris Group Conservation Manager, Mr Kai Collins. He added that the project is confident of being allocated a further group of these critically threatened rhinos in the near future, bringing the breeding population to viable levels.

 

The Wilderness Botswana Rhino Project, an ongoing partnership between Wilderness Safaris and the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks, was started in the year 2000 with the reintroduction of white rhino from southern Botswana into protected areas in the north of the country. Subsequent reintroductions of white rhino over the next five years increased the population substantially and the success of these rhino can be measured in the recruitment of calves born in the wild.

 

In 2003, a small group of south-central black rhino were introduced into the same area and a single calf was born in 2009. These highly threatened animals are known to have occurred in large numbers, possibly thousands in the mid-nineteenth century in the very area into which they have been introduced.

 

Thanks to extensive fundraising efforts in preparation for this event by the Wilderness Wildlife Trust, the capture process of these special rhino will take place in the first quarter of 2014. Once captured, the rhino will be transported by air and released into the wilds of Botswana a few weeks later. This is an extremely delicate operation which will involve the staff of North West and SANParks, the Botswana Defence Force, Department of Wildlife and National Parks Botswana and Wilderness Safaris.

 

“It will involve an extremely high level of security both during the operation, as well as after the release of the rhino, and we are extremely grateful for the ongoing support of our sponsors, such as the Wilderness Wildlife Trust, International Rhino Foundation, the Tiffany & Co. Foundation and RHINO FORCE to name a few, to ensure the ongoing success of this project”, Collins added.

 

The Bead Coalition, creator of the South African, best-selling RHINO FORCE bracelet, will donate a portion of the bracelet sale profits to the translocation cost. Joanne Lapin Thorpe, CEO of The Bead Co, says, “I believe private, commercial organisations need to get behind direct conservation action in order to make a difference. Translocation, we believe is one of the actions necessary to counteract poaching, while providing a safe haven for our endangered black rhino.” These simple red, black and white beaded bracelets, made in Africa, in previously disadvantaged rural communities are sold globally, and delivered to the world.

Purchase online at www.thebeadco.co.za to support.

ENDS

Issued by The Bead Coalition

T: 083 609 1111

www.thebeadco.co.za/ lisa@thebeadco.co.za

About Wilderness Safaris

Wilderness Safaris is an ecotourism company that specialises in memorable wildlife experiences in some of the most remote and pristine areas in Africa. In this way it offers its guests private access to three million hectares of Africa’s finest wildlife reserves, while remaining fiercely committed to protecting our planet’s precious natural and cultural resources. Recognising that conservation is as much about people as about the environment, the company has pursued important goals through its Children in the Wilderness programme, as well as through the Wilderness Wildlife Trust, which have helped change the face of nature-based tourism in Africa.  www.wilderness-safaris.com

About Wilderness Wildlife Trust

The Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust supports a wide variety of approximately 30 projects annually in southern Africa, within the categories of wildlife management, research and monitoring, and community empowerment and education. These projects address the needs of existing wildlife populations, seek solutions to save endangered species and provide education and training for local people and their communities. For more than 20 years, the goal of the Wilderness Wildlife Trust has been to make a difference to Africa, her wildlife and her people.

www.wildernesstrust.com

About The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd

The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a private commercial business based in Johannesburg.  We identity specific causes, we create awareness and design themed, bespoke, beaded bracelets. Hand-made by previously unemployed communities in rural South Africa, the sale of our beaded range raises funds to make significant environmental, conversational and humanitarian change. Other bracelets include RHINO FORCE, OCEAN FORCE and QHUBEKA CYCLE FORCE amongst others.  www.thebeadco.co.za

 

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THE BEAD COALITION SPONSORS MND PATIENT’S DREAM

The BeadCo

 

J9 FOUNDATION
Bracelet 2

The viral #Neknomination from Australia, an extreme social media drinking game, involves challengers downing alcohol, posting videos online and nominating others to outdo them.

South African, Brent Lindeque, turned the game on its head, “Downing a can of beer is easy… imagine if we all harnessed the power of social media to make a difference in real people’s lives,” says Lindeque.

SA’s Nathania de Kock, #Neknominated Joost van der Westhuizen and her J9 Foundation colleagues. The #J9MomentsOfMagic initiative to give people suffering from Motor Neuron Disease (MND) a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience was launched.

Stuart MacFarlane, had always dreamed of taking his wife, Leoni and their three small children: Amy, Christopher and Duncan, to see Victoria Falls – one of the 7 Wonders of the World. But Stuart was diagnosed with MND in October 2011, and the family finances were quickly absorbed by medical bills.

This #Neknomination, changes that because The Bead Coalition, creator of the beaded MND bracelet, has just made Stuart’s dream a reality, with an all-expenses paid family holiday to Victoria Falls.

http://youtu.be/RiJCBRRBerE

Says Joost, “I have been a sufferer of MND for 41 months and I have firsthand experience of how this disease changes the way you think and your priorities in life. Family is important; the love of life is invaluable, and the gift is truly in the giving.  In the end, memories are all we have.”

The Bead Co. CEO, Joanne Lapin Thorpe says “Our MND bracelet is a beautiful symbol of support, particularly sentimental to me, inspired by my precious sister, Taryn, who also fights this disease. We are thrilled to sponsor the first #J9MomentsOfMagic campaign, and I know Stuart will treasure the memories of Vic Falls.”

“We are so grateful to The Bead Coalition for their generous sponsorship,” says Joost vd Westhuizen, who has some #Neknominations of his own. Joost and the J9 Foundation further nominate, Barend van Graan, CEO of the Blue Bulls, Gavin Varejes, CEO of Richmark Holdings and J9 Director, along with fellow trustee and Blink Pictures Director, Odette Schwegler. #Neknominees have 24 hours to ‘make good’.

South Africans can purchase a MND bracelet, available for R40 each, at all CNA’s, Foto First, Sneakers, Pick ‘n Pay Douglasdale or online at www.beadcoalition.com. Visit www.joost.co.za for more information on J9 Foundation and MND  http://youtu.be/RiJCBRRBerE

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THE BEAD CO DONATES TO JOOST VAN DER WESTHUIZEN’S J9 FOUNDATION

The BeadCo

 

 

J9 FOUNDATION
Health

The Bead Coalition (Pty) Ltd, the commercial beaded bracelet enterprise, best known for the unprecedented success of the RHINO FORCE bracelet, celebrated its partnership with Joost van der Westhuizen’s J9 Foundation with a donation of R60,592.00. The bespoke MND bracelet, hand-beaded by previously disadvantaged women in rural Africa, will be sold worldwide to raise global awareness and funding for Motor Neuron Disease (MND).

MND is a degenerative disorder of the motor neurons which control voluntary muscle activity such as speaking, swallowing and breathing, resulting in gradual weakening, wasting, and twitching of the muscles.
J9 Foundation offers patient support through the ‘MND Patient, Family, and Caregiver Quality of Life Program’, including home visits, requests for information, referrals to specialists such as counsellors, attorneys and building contractors, depending on the needs of the patient and family. Their approach draws from hands-on experience, as they continually strive to understand the overwhelming dynamics that MND families endure.
Diagnosed with MND, former Springbok rugby legend, Joost van der Westhuizen says, “The MND beaded bracelet brings life because there is love. We are honoured to be the beneficiary and encourage retailers and the public to support and wear this bracelet, to try conquer Motor Neuron Disease together.”
The Bead Co. CEO, Joanne Lapin Thorpe says, “This bracelet is a beautiful symbol of support, particularly sentimental to me. The inspiration behind the MND bracelet is my precious sister, Taryn Dickinson, who bravely faces each day with this disease.”
South Africans can purchase a MND bracelet for R40 each, at all CNA’s Foto-First, Sneakers, Pick ‘n Pay Douglasdale or online at www.beadcoalition.com. Visit www.joost.co.za for more information on J9 Foundation and MND.

About The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd

The Bead Coalition [Pty] Ltd is a private commercial business based in Johannesburg.  We identity specific causes, we create awareness and design themed, bespoke, beaded bracelets. Hand-made by previously unemployed communities in rural South Africa, the sale of our beaded range raises funds to make significant environmental, conversational and humanitarian change. Other bracelets include RHINO FORCE, OCEAN FORCE and QHUBEKA CYCLE FORCE amongst others.  www.beadcoalition.com

 About J9 Foundation

The J9 Foundation was formed by the rugby legend Joost van der  Westhuizen in aid of those suffering from the same form of fatal illness that he was diagnosed with early 2011, Motor Neuron Disease. Joost has created a platform through this foundation to allow people, companies and friends to support the Quality of Life programs available.This is Joost van der Westhuizen’s Legacy to South Africa and the world, to everyone who watched him “J9”, carry those very words on his back and in his heart. www.joost.co.za

Nathania@joost.co.za  or 082 975 9090

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RHINO FORCE ASSISTS WILDERNESS WILDLIFE TRUST WITH FUNDS FOR SUCCESSFUL BLACK RHINO DARTING PROJECT

The BeadCo

 

 

Wilderness Safaris and the Trust have been been involved in rhino conservation for 20 years

From the sale of RHINO FORCE bracelets, R20,000 was donated to Wilderness Wildlife Trust

Black rhino anti-poaching and monitoring at Liwonde National Park

Black rhino anti-poaching and monitoring at Liwonde National Park

Wilderness Wildlife Trust, with the support of various partners including a generous donation from RHINO FORCE, facilitated the funding for a successful black rhino darting operation in Malawi’s Liwonde National Park, between 17 and 29 November 2013.

Led by Chief Veterinary Officer of the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s African Rhino Specialist Group, Dr Pete Morkel, the aim of the darting operation was to fit VHF transmitters on as many black rhinos as possible in order to maximise monitoring efficiency of the population in the face of intensifying poaching pressure in the park. The new tracking devices aid ongoing monitoring, ecological research and overall security measures run by the managing authority, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), and the tourism concessionaire, Wilderness Safaris.

Since November 2012, daily patrols involving professional rhino trackers of the DNPW Rhino Protection Team and Krisztián Gyöngyi (Rhino Monitoring and Research Ecologist) have been conducted to monitor, protect and record relevant ecological data on the species living in and outside the Sanctuary. The new transmitters will not only increase the monitoring efficiency of the rhino, but locating them in the park will also be considerably easier.

“We had to ensure that the rhino were darted before the oncoming wet season and were thrilled with the success of the operation. Days were long, the team worked hard and as a result five rhinos were captured and treated during the 13-day campaign. We covered approximately 190km on foot, spending 118 hours actively tracking rhino in the bush. We were also grateful for the support and assistance of Dr Amanda Salb of the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre and James Kamtsokota from African Parks Majete, whose exemplary tracking skills and knowledge of black rhino behaviour played an important role in finding the rhino”, said Mr Gyöngyi.

Conserving the small stock of black rhino in Liwonde is of a high national and international priority. However, like many populations in Africa, this one is also severely threatened by illicit poaching. This, coupled with the limited resources of DNPW in continuing its protection, necessitated the launch of the Trust’s Liwonde Black Rhino Protection Project in 2012. It is a joint collaboration between the DNPW, Wilderness Safaris Malawi and Mr Bentley Palmer – a private stakeholder who has played an instrumental role in the protection of rhino in Liwonde for over 20 years.

The Bead Coalition CEO, Joanne Lapin Thorpe says, “We are so proud that we could donate R20,000 from sales of our successful RHINO FORCE bracelets to assist with this project.”

For further info on the Trust – http://www.wildernesstrust.com/

About Wilderness Wildlife Trust: www.wildernesstrust.com

  • The Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust supports a wide variety of approximately 30 projects annually in southern Africa, within the categories of wildlife management, research and monitoring, and community empowerment and education. These projects address the needs of existing wildlife populations, seek solutions to save endangered species and provide education and training for local people and their communities.
  • For more than 20 years, the goal of the Wilderness Wildlife Trust has been to make a difference to Africa, her wildlife and her people.
  • Contact Russel Friedman for more information: Rusself@wilderness.co.za

About Wilderness Safaris: www.wilderness-safaris.com

  • Wilderness Safaris is an ecotourism company that specialises in memorable wildlife experiences in some of the most remote and pristine areas in Africa. In this way it offers its guests private access to three million hectares of Africa’s finest wildlife reserves, while remaining fiercely committed to protecting our planet’s precious natural and cultural resources.
  • Wilderness Safaris operates camps and safaris in some of Africa’s best wildlife and wilderness reserves across nine different countries: Botswana, Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
  • Wilderness Safaris is part of the Wilderness organisation, a group of responsible ecotourism companies and conservation and community development vehicles that together endeavour to use responsible tourism to build sustainable conservation economies in Africa.