Category: Our Press Room

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 26^th 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

The Bead Coalition is proud to announce a donation of R100,000 to RhODIS, the Onderstepoort DNA profiling database, which will fund the indexing of 166 individual rhinos. RhODIS is the project of The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science, at the University of Pretoria. The donation is the direct result of RHINO FORCE bracelet sales.

This local, hand-made, iconic bracelet for rhino conservation has raised and paid R4,832,997.59 to rhino conservation NGO’s and charities to date. Previously disadvantaged women in rural communities in South Africa hand-bead the symbolic bracelets. “I am inspired by our loyal supporters who proudly wear the original, best-selling conservation accessory that actually saves rhinos”, says Joanne Lapin Thorpe, CEO of The Bead Co, “ I am equally delighted that the life of a cause can now benefit the cause of a life and vice versa”.

Dr Cindy Harper, Geneticist at Onderstepoort, instrumental in developing the DNA testing of rhino, believes each rhino deserves a thorough and efficient investigation and in some cases provides evidence to ensure that a poacher or trafficker is brought to book. She thanked RHINO FORCE for the generous donation adding, “It is constantly a struggle to keep up but the kind of support that you have provided makes this possible and is a motivation to continue”.

Bracelets are available at participating retailers for R40 each, for corporate sales via Amrod Corporate and online at www.beadcoalition.com, they will post anywhere in the world.

Issued by The Bead Coalition – RHINO FORCE
T: 083 609 1111
www.beadcoalition.com/ lisa@beadcoalition.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 OCEAN FORCE, SA/Heritage, Literacy and QHUBEKA CYCLE FORCE amongst others. www.beadcoalition.com

The Bead Coalition (Pty) Ltd, has selected Blue Groove Africa, South African Rugby Union’s (SARU’s) partner in the “Boks for Books” Literacy initiative, as the beneficiary of proceeds from sales of its new “I AM LITERACY” bracelet. Every bracelet sale is a guaranteed R10 for literacy development in South Africa.

The beautiful rainbow-coloured beaded bracelets, launched by The Bead Co. in September 2013, are handmade by women in a beading community in rural North West Province. The bracelet, carrying the message “Today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader” emphasizes the significance of improved literacy for school learners.

The “Boks for Books” initiative is SARU’s first venture into CSI and was born of a desire to make a significant contribution to South African society by supplying 23 fully stocked mobile or refurbished libraries a year to previously disadvantaged schools around the country.

The ‘I AM LITERACY’ bracelets will be available to purchase at selected CNA stores countrywide, Exclusive Books, Norman Goodfellows and online at www.beadcoalition.com for R40 each.  They will also be distributed for sale at schools across South Africa.

CEO of The Bead Co., Joanne Lapin-Thorpe said: “Our relationship with Signet Licensing and SARU led us to Blue Groove Africa and Elise Fish, who took my breath away with her determined do-good outlook. I am deeply passionate about the cause and projects supported by sales from our bracelet.”  Lapin-Thorpe continued: “Our product must support a direct and tangible initiative that makes sense to the local and international consumer. The ‘I AM LITERACY’ bracelet ticks all the right boxes.”

Elise Fish, Managing Director of Blue Groove Africa, thanked The Bead Co. for its first R10,000 contribution to “Boks for Books” and the opportunity to do good. “The partnership with The Bead Co. is almost surreal. Having been in the NPO field for ten years, my fellow directors and I decided to focus our energies on providing libraries and media centres to deserving schools in South Africa,” said Fish.

“The mission of Blue Groove Africa is to provide the building blocks for education and our goal is to populate a minimum of 200 libraries by 2020.

“We encourage as many people as possible to purchase a Literacy bracelet and assist us in providing one of the most fundamental rights, which is education, to the children of South Africa,” Fish said.

ENDS

Issued by The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd

T: 083 609 1111

lisa@beadcoalition.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.beadcoalition.com

About Blue Groove SA

Blue Groove Africa is a Section 21 and NPO registered organization. Our vision is to “to provide the building blocks for education, through bridged and sustainable learning, environmental and feeding facilities, with skills transfer into communities throughout South Africa”. Blue Groove has been appointed by the South Africa Rugby Union (SARU) for a minimum of four years, to implement their CSI project “Boks for Books” which is a perfect fit for our “right to read” campaign.

www.bluegrooveafrica.com

The original, bespoke RHINO FORCE beaded bracelet continues to raise funds for Save the Rhino International (SRI), in the UK, and create employment in previously disadvantaged communities. The Bead Coalition (Pty) Ltd have contracted a group of beaders from the Madikwe Rural Development Programme (MRDP) in the Marico region of North West Province, to make the best-selling cause-related bracelets.

At the current level of production, the women earn in excess of their husbands. Colin Cooper, Chairman of the MRDP says, “In the Marico area there is no work and virtually no new business, so this is an excellent opportunity for our beaders to earn a real income and to showcase their skills.”

The Bead Co., a South African cause-related merchandise business, proudly supports local employment, up-skilling that uplifts communities across South Africa. Additional employment is created at The Bead Co’s headquarters in Johannesburg where a team of eight additional ladies pack, perform quality control and administrate various processes within the business.

Says CEO, Joanne Lapin Thorpe, “The RHINO FORCE beaded bracelet was created to raise awareness and funding for rhino conservation, however I am delighted that  demand has reached a level where significant local employment is created, and this is the plan going forward.”

SRI is a renowned rhino conservation organisation that works to conserve all five species of rhinos in Africa and Asia. Deputy Director, SRI, Susie Offord says, “The RHINO FORCE bracelets have been a huge success in South Africa already. Partnering with RHINO FORCE on an international level is a win-win relationship for SRI as the bracelets help to raise awareness about the plight of rhinos in Africa and in Asia, whilst raising much-needed funds for rhino conservation.”

RHINO FORCE is an initiative of The Bead Coalition (Pty) Ltd, a commercial, cause-related organisation. The original and best-selling bracelet, launched in June 2011, is synonymous with rhino conservation, having facilitated and raised over R4.6 million to date. Recently, the bracelet company facilitated funds for a translocation of six white rhino from South Africa to Botswana – a safe haven in terms of security and monitoring. Mitsubishi Motors SA, proudly sponsors a branded 2013 double cab Triton 3.2 diesel bakkie, used as a mobile billboard in the Johannesburg area.

To support, buy a RHINO FORCE bracelet online at www.rhinoforce.co.za for R40. They will post anywhere in the world.

ENDS

 

 

Issued by The Bead Coalition Pty Ltd – RHINO FORCE

T: 083 609 1111

lisa@rhinoforce.co.za

About RHINO FORCE

RHINO FORCE is a dynamic brand that creates international awareness and raises substantial funding for rhino conservation, through the sale of RHINO FORCE beaded bracelets. RHINO FORCE creates philanthropy through commerce. Through the design, development and activation of multiple retail, corporate and electronic market platforms, RHINO FORCE successfully achieves its mission –  ‘Conservation through Commerce’, commercially known as ‘Save the Rhino…Buy a Bracelet’.

www.rhinoforce.co.za

 

About Save the Rhino International

Save the Rhino International 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 Mitsubishi Motors SA

Mitsubishi has a proud South African heritage which spans back over 75 years. The South African product range has been specially suited to this country’s unique conditions and lifestyle and offer vehicles for the serious off roader, the urban family, the small businessman, the outdoor sportsman and the image-conscious young roader. Mitsubishi customers enjoy the benefit of a nationwide dealer network, a dedicated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic sales teams, highly professional service centres, finance and insurance packages, tailor-made to suit every need.

www.mitsubishi-motors.co.za

World Ranger Day, observed globally on 31 July 2013 by the International Ranger Federation (IRF), celebrates the honourable and dangerous work rangers do to protect the world’s wildlife. To support South African rangers who put their lives at risk to safeguard rhinos, RHINO FORCE proudly announces a new partnership with York Private Game Reserve, adjoining the greater Kruger Park. Bracelet sales will cover the total remuneration packages of the York conservation team made up of trackers, field rangers and the head warden.

 

Virgin Active Gym at Old Ed’s, Johannesburg, supported RHINO FORCE’s latest beneficiary, by hosting a 90 minute spinathon, and raised donations of R7,700 for these brave men in the field.

 

In 2012, the IRF confirmed the death of 41 rangers in the line of duty.

RHINO FORCE believes rangers should be protected, valued and incentivized. “Our rangers deserve to be adequately remunerated, recognised by the media and rewarded for their efforts, creating a climate where rangers can take the war to poachers”, says Joanne Lapin Thorpe, co-founder of RHINO FORCE.

 

York Private Nature Reserve formed by private landowners 10 years ago, lies in the South Western part of Balule Nature Reserve, and forms the unfenced South-Western boundary of the Greater Kruger system. White rhino were introduced into this area nine years ago, and York is actively involved in the WWF Black Rhino Expansion project. They protect their rhino with continuous, active, management and vigilant security measures. Andy Dott, Chairman of York and the greater Balule Reserve comments, “We are delighted to finally join forces with such a credible business and these much needed funds will go directly to the heart of the problem”.

 

Join Rhino Force now to support field rangers for their bravery and the critical role they play in rhino conservation. According to Save the Rhino International (SRI) in the UK, rangers are the real heroes of the poaching challenge. They are at the frontline of rhino poaching and often risk their lives. “As poachers use more sophisticated methods, the fight to protect the rhino becomes an even greater challenge, making this day appropriate to acknowledge all their hard work and dedication. Happy World Ranger Day to all,” says Susie Offord, Deputy Director, SRI.

 

RHINO FORCE is an initiative of The Bead Coalition (Pty) Ltd, a commercial, cause-related organisation. The public can support its RHINO FORCE Ranger initiative by buying a bracelet or donating directly to the York reserve rangers.

 

ENDS

 

Issued by The Bead Co. Pty Ltd – division RHINO FORCE

T: 083 609 1111

lisa@beadcoalition.com

www.rhinoforce.co.za

 

About RHINO FORCE

RHINO FORCE is a dynamic brand that creates international awareness and raises substantial funding for rhino conservation, through the sale of RHINO FORCE beaded bracelets. RHINO FORCE incorporates fundamental business principles to create philanthropy through commerce. Through the design, development and activation of multiple retail, corporate and electronic market platforms, RHINO FORCE successfully achieves its mission –  ‘Conservation through Commerce’, commercially known as ‘Save the Rhino…Buy a Bracelet’.

www.rhinoforce.co.za

 

About York Private Game Reserve

York Private Nature Reserve was formed by private landowners 10 years ago, and lies in the South Western part of Balule Nature Reserve, forming the unfenced South Western boundary of the Greater Kruger system.

Contact : Sharon Haussmann 082 553 1566 or

yorknaturereserve@yahoo.com

The Madikwe Rural Development Programme (MRDP), founded in 1988, supports this community with employment and in May 2013, a group of women started beading bracelets for The Bead Co’s Qhubeka CYCLE FORCE division. THE Bead Coalition, a South African company, proudly supports local employment and community upliftment. Additional employment for eight ladies, in packaging and quality control, is provided at The Bead Co’s warehouse in Johannesburg. CEO, Joanne Lapin Thorpe says, “The beaded bracelet raises funds for Qhubeka to provide bicycles to underprivileged individuals in rural communities, and I am delighted that this initiative has also created opportunities for talented South Africans.”

 

At the current level of production, the women earn in excess of their husbands. Says Colin Cooper, Chairman of the MRDP, “In the Marico area there is no work and virtually no new business, so this is an excellent opportunity for our beaders to earn a real income and to showcase their skills.”

Qhubeka donates bicycles in rural villages, in exchange for planted seedlings and waste collection, serving to directly improve a community. Qhubeka aims to break the cycle of poverty while investing in the youth of South Africa. 100 000 bicycles have been distributed since 2004.

To support, buy a Qhubeka CYCLE FORCE bracelet online at www.cycleforce.co.za for R40.  In South Africa, you can also purchase at your nearest Exclusive Books or Look & Listen store.

ENDS

 

Issued by The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd – division Qhubeka CYCLE FORCE

T: 083 609 1111

lisa@beadcoalition.com

www.cycleforce.co.za

About CYCLE FORCE

CYCLE FORCE is a dynamic brand that creates funding for Qhubeka bicycles for underprivileged communities, through the sale of Qhubeka CYCLE FORCE beaded bracelets. CYCLE FORCE incorporates fundamental business principles to create philanthropy through commerce via retail, corporate and online platforms, CYCLE FORCE successfully achieves its mission –  “Bicycles for Africa”

www.cycleforce.co.za

 

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

The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd has launched the official licensed Springbok Rugby bracelet. The green, yellow and white beaded bracelet is the commercial organisation’s latest product and a first for South African rugby. Proud South Africans can now show their support for their national team, all day, every day by wearing the symbolic accessory. Signet Licensing, representing South African Rugby Union (SARU) negotiated and approved the licensing agreement, which includes a donation from the sale of the Springbok bracelet to the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund.

 

Morné du Plessis, Founder and Director of the Players’ Fund says, “We are extremely pleased to have been selected by The Bead Co. to benefit from the Springbok bracelet. The company’s other bracelet initiatives, namely Rhino Force, Ocean Force, Cycle Force and Earth Force have created awareness and generated funding for other great organisations and we are honoured to be part of this innovative form of fund raising. As a proudly South African non-profit organisation, working for South Africans, supported by South Africans, we are all connected in our love for the game of rugby”.

The bracelet allows Springbok rugby fans all over the world to show their support of our BOKKE by simply wearing a symbol of great pride, a hand-made, beaded, Springbok bracelet. Become instantly recognisable as a supporter of South African rugby and help make a difference in the lives of injured rugby players.

 

Buy your Springbok bracelet today, online for R45, through SA Rugby’s portal www.sarugbyshop.co.za or www.sarugbybracelet.co.za. To order your bracelet, call Lisa on +27 83 225 0824. Like ‘SPRINGBOK BRACELET’ on Facebook and find out about our participating retailers.

 

ENDS

Issued by The Bead Co. Pty Ltd  

T: 083 609 1111

lisa@beadcoalition.com

www.sarugbybracelet.co.za

About The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd

The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd is a commercial organisation that believes in conservation through commerce.  It creates awareness and raises funds through the sale of beaded bracelets. Proceeds from the sale of various cause-related, hand-made bracelets are donated to credible NGO’s and charity organizations. The Bead Co. creates local community employment and opportunities for small business development. To date almost 1 million bracelets have been sold worldwide via retail and e-commerce. Make a difference with a beaded bracelet such as RHINO FORCE/ OCEAN FORCE/ Qhubeka CYCLE FORCE.

www.sarugbybracelet.co.za

 

About Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund

The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund is named after two young rugby players who were fatally injured playing the game. The Fund provides assistance to injured rugby players in many different ways, one being the provision of mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, as well as many other comforts that seek to improve the quality of their lives. The Fund is a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) as well as a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) and dependent on fund raising and donations.

www.playersfund.org.za

RHINO FORCE is proud to announce a partnership with international beneficiary “Save the Rhino International (SRI)”, a renowned rhino conservation organisation that works to conserve all five species of rhinos in Africa and Asia. The RHINO FORCE bracelet significantly beaded with red, black and white beads will now be sold internationally, to raise awareness and funding for SRI’s urgent rhino programmes on both continents.

 

Registered in 1994, Save the Rhino International recognises that the future of wildlife is inextricably linked to surrounding communities. By funding field projects and through education, SRI delivers long-lasting and widespread benefits to rhinos and other endangered species, ecosystems and to the people living in these areas. The funds raised are used to support projects that address rhino conservation through a number of measures.

Deputy Director, SRI, Susie Offord says, “The RHINO FORCE bracelets have been a huge success in South Africa already. Partnering with RHINO FORCE on an international level is a win-win relationship for SRI as the bracelets help to raise awareness about the plight of rhinos in Africa and in Asia, whilst raising much-needed funds for rhino conservation. We’re really looking forward to developing this relationship further.”

The original RHINO FORCE bracelet, launched in June 2011, is synonymous with rhino conservation, and remains a South African best-seller, having facilitated and raised over R4.6 million to date.  RHINO FORCE believes in urgent, immediate and direct action, supporting one of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) principles of translocation as a method to save a species from extinction.

Recently, the bracelet organisation facilitated funds for a translocation of six white rhino from South Africa to Botswana – a safe haven in terms of security and monitoring. Relocating rhinos to suitable habitats spreads them out over a larger area, and enables rapid growth rates, and is why we have 400 separate populations in 9 African countries today.

This global alliance allows RHINO FORCE, a commercial company, to support and financially assist SRI’s conservation of the species in Africa and Asia, where they face critical threat.

“We created the beaded rhino bracelet for people all over the world to purchase and wear, to provide and show their support for rhino conservation. The bracelet has become the tangible, globally recognised symbol for the love of rhinos, and a solidarity bracelet for the cause,” says Joanne Lapin Thorpe, co-founder of RHINO FORCE. “We’ve aligned internationally with SRI, share a common ethos, and are dedicated to supporting this incredible organisation, as we drive our bracelet initiative into the international arena. We look forward to growing our support for SRI over the years in a number of exciting initiatives.”

Over 500,000 local and international supporters have donned the conservation accessory to show their support, and raise awareness of the critical threat our rhino populations face – three of five species are listed as “critically endangered” on the IUCN red list.

To help save rhinos in Africa and Asia buy a bracelet online at www.rhinoforce.co.za, they will post anywhere in the world.

 

ENDS

 

Issued by The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd  – RHINO FORCE

T: 27 (0)83 609 1111

Media enquiries to: lisa@rhinoforce.co.za

About RHINO FORCE

RHINO FORCE is a dynamic company that creates international awareness and raise substantial funding for rhino conservation, through the sale of RHINO FORCE beaded bracelets. RHINO FORCE incorporates fundamental business principles to create philanthropy through commerce. Through the design, development and activation of retail, corporate and electronic market platforms, RHINO FORCE successfully achieves its mission – ‘Conservation through Commerce’, commercially known as ‘Save the Rhino…Buy a Bracelet’.

www.rhinoforce.co.za

About Save the Rhino International

Save the Rhino International 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

The Qhubeka CYCLE FORCE yellow and black beaded bracelet was launched at the 94.7 Cycle Challenge in South Africa, in November 2012, and sells for R30 to support Qhubeka’s fundraising.  12 million children walk to school each day, sometimes a four hour return trip. Qhubeka provides bikes in rural areas and townships, where communities grow trees or collect litter in return for bicycles. Qhubeka uses the funds raised by CYCLE FORCE to purchase and distribute bicycles, providing effective transportation to schools, clinics and shops.

The Qhubeka initiative seeks to empower communities by donating bicycles in exchange for planting seedlings or collecting recyclable waste –  actions which also improve the communities in which they live. This embodies Qhubeka’s commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty while investing in the youth of South Africa.

Children will receive a brand-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.

Studies have shown five ways in which a bicycle makes a difference:

1. 1.       Improved School Attendance

Results of a study indicated an average 18% improvement in school attendance for girls and 16% for boys after bicycle distribution, and this lasted for two years.  This is an encouraging sign of the program’s long-lasting benefits for students’ access to education.

96% of surveyed caretakers reported increased school attendance due to the bicycle, and that distance was the primary reason for absence. 89% of students get to school in an hour or less after bicycles were distributed, and Qhubeka believes that reduced travel times contribute to the increased attendance rates.

1. 2.       Improved Academic Performance

Academic performance data collected from schools in this study indicate an average 22% point improvement for both girls and boys after bicycle distribution, higher than the average, and improved pass rates were sustained for two years after receiving bikes.

1. 3.       Quality Of Life Indicators

Surveyed students rated their own feelings of well-being – 73% indicated they felt their lives were significantly improved after receiving bicycles, and 17% reported a noticeable change.

1. 4.       Less Fear

All surveyed rural students indicated they were afraid while walking to school – most feared attack by wild animals; and girls feared rape because their long walk starts in the dark. After bicycles were distributed, 69% of the students reported feeling safe most of the time while they traveled to school.

1. 5.       Better Access To Healthcare

Many survey respondents indicated using the bicycle to visit the local clinic. Appointments for children under 5 more than doubled, and this was attributed to the fact that mothers were able to transport young children for treatment with ease.

Qhubeka has distributed more than 100,000 bikes since 2004. Anthony Fitzhenry, Qhubeka Founder says, “My vision is to mobilise kids on bikes, a world where transportation is not a barrier to healthcare, education or economic development.”

Bracelets can be purchased online  www.cycleforce.co.za, or at an Exclusive Books or Look & Listen store. Buy and wear your Qhubeka CYCLE FORCE bracelet to support this exciting initiative. Visit Qhubeka’s  site for details on the programme and donations www.qhubeka.org

 

ENDS

 

Issued by The Bead Co – CYCLE FORCE  

T: 083 609 1111

www.cycleforce.co.za.

Media enquiries: lisa@beadcoalition.com

 

About CYCLE FORCE

CYCLE FORCE is a dynamic brand that creates funding for Qhubeka bicycles for underprivileged communities, through the sale of Qhubeka CYCLE FORCE beaded bracelets. CYCLE FORCE incorporates fundamental business principles to create philanthropy through commerce. Through the  activation of retail, corporate and online platforms, CYCLE FORCE successfully achieves its mission –  “Mobilising People with Bicycles”

www.cycleforce.co.za

 

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

RHINO FORCE’s red, black and white beaded bracelet remains SA’s best-selling rhino accessory, maintaining unprecedented success in raising awareness and funds for rhino conservation. In total RHINO FORCE paid

R3 050 597.59 to Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) from sales of RHINO FORCE bracelets. This multi-million rand donation, acknowledged in thanks by the EWT, supports the NGO’s rhino programmes.

 

RHINO FORCE also thanks the EWT for their conservation activities undertaken in security and protection; wildlife trade law compliance; judiciary awareness and strategic support as the bracelet organisation re-directs its efforts to fully support rhino translocation.

 

This fine-tuned approach is in response to an urgent need for immediate, direct action, and in support of IUCN’s principle of translocation as a method to save a species from extinction. Proudly sponsored by MITSUBISHI SA, RHINO FORCE support Africa Foundation, and raised funds for the translocation of rhino from South Africa to Botswana – a safe haven in terms of security and monitoring. Relocating rhino to suitable habitats spreads them out over a larger area. Translocation also enables rapid growth rates, and is the reason we have 400 separate populations in 9 African countries today.

 

Rhino bracelet sales have raised R400,000 for Africa Foundation, over and above the R3 050 597.59 paid to the EWT. RHINO FORCE also facilitated a whopping R1.1 million from corporate donors, including Motorite Administrators, for the first RHINO FORCE relocation project. The first group of rhino are ready for release in Botswana.

 

The original RHINO FORCE beaded bracelet, launched in June 2011, is synonymous with rhino conservation, remaining a best-seller.  Over 500,000 local and international supporters have donned the conservation accessory. The continued support from retail, corporate and individuals has raised awareness for the critical threat to our rhino populations.

 

“We have identified a direct, immediate conservation action that is saving rhino today, through the sale of the beaded bracelet. Monies we raise and facilitate go directly to translocation. We believe it’s important to involve and educate South Africa in this fight,” says Joanne Lapin Thorpe, co-founder of RHINO FORCE. “We look forward to many more translocation projects and saving our rhinos.”

 

We encourage the public to purchase cause-related products from bona fide credible businesses and commercial entities that are underpinned by accountability and transparency. Furthermore, supporters are entitled to know how that money is spent by the supported NGO.

 

 

To help save the rhino, buy a bracelet online at www.rhinoforce.co.za

 

ENDS

 

Issued by RHINO FORCE

T: 083 609 1111

lisa@rhinoforce.co.za

 

About RHINO FORCE

RHINO FORCE is a dynamic brand that creates international awareness and raise substantial funding for rhino conservation, through the sale of RHINO FORCE beaded bracelets. RHINO FORCE incorporates fundamental business principles to create philanthropy through commerce. Through the design, development and activation of multiple retail, corporate and electronic market platforms, RHINO FORCE successfully achieves its mission – ‘Conservation through Commerce’, commercially known as ‘Save the Rhino…Buy a Bracelet’.

www.rhinoforce.co.za

 

About AFRICA FOUNDATION

Founded in 1992 to support &Beyond’s commitment to conservation and communities, Africa Foundation has built up a highly successful track record in empowering and enriching the lives of communities living adjacent to &Beyond’s  safari lodges; specifically in the areas of healthcare, education and enterprise development. It is a registered trust and non-profit organisation, supported by its partners , &Beyond Africa Foundation UK, Africa Foundation USA, lodge guests and donors – www.africafoundation.org.za

 

About MITSUBISHI SA

Mitsubishi has a proud South African heritage which spans back over 75 years. Prospective and existing customers will enjoy and benefit from the excellent market focus for which Imperial Holdings is renowned and could look forward to the exciting new products to enter the local market in the near future. The South African product range has been specially suited to this country’s unique conditions and lifestyle and offer vehicles for the serious off roader, the urban family, the small businessman, the outdoor sportsman and the image-conscious young roader. Mitsubishi customers enjoy the benefit of a nationwide dealer network, a dedicated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic sales teams, highly professional service centres, finance and insurance packages, tailor-made to suit every need.

www.mitsubishi-motors.co.za

RHINO FORCE facilitated a R1.1 million donation to Africa Foundation to carry out the first ever private game reserve donation of rhino to another country.   &Beyond  moved six white rhino from South Africa to Botswana’s Okavango Delta in March 2013. This conservation coup has been generously funded by corporate donors including Motorite Administrators.  In addition, proceeds from sale of RHINO FORCE bracelets support Africa Foundation (&Beyond’s social development partner) and are earmarked for projects focused on rhino conservation. In just three months, R325,000 has been raised.

 

The black, red and white beaded bracelets, already synonymous with rhino conservation, are sold in several retailers in South Africa and internationally through an e-commerce site www.rhinoforce.co.za.

In 2012 alone, South Africa lost a devastating 668 rhino to illegal poaching, which is a 49% increase from the previous year’s figure of 448. Botswana has an excellent security system in place to protect these animals and will be a safe haven for the six relocated rhino. Translocations are a proven method of securing the survival of an endangered species.

 

After years of negotiation and planning, the translocation process is almost complete as the six rhino arrived safely. Game scouts from Botswana have undergone intensive tracking and monitoring training by &Beyond. The movement and behaviour of the herd will be closely monitored using satellite collars and telemetry and tracking equipment. A portion of this equipment as well as anti-poaching uniforms and binoculars has been generously supplied by the Chipembere Rhino Foundation.

 

“It’s the ideal opportunity for us to move our eggs out of one basket,” explains &Beyond Conservation Manager, Les Carlisle. “The project has the full support of the Botswana Rhino Management Committee and we are thrilled to be driving such a vital initiative for rhino conservation in partnership with Motorite and RHINO FORCE.”

 

Chris Thorpe, Founder of RHINO FORCE says, “We are pleased to know that all the funds we donate or facilitate go directly to translocation, which is an effective way to counteract poaching.  We also believe it’s important to involve and educate the communities in this fight, and Africa Foundation does this well.”

 

As one of southern Africa’s largest independent motor-related insurance administrators, Motorite supports this translocation to ensure the ongoing conservation of South Africa and Botswana’s natural heritage. To demonstrate another example of the motor industry getting behind rhino conservation, Mitsubishi generously sponsored a brand new Triton diesel double cab for RHINO FORCE to use as a mobile billboard at events, meetings and deliveries.

 

To follow the exciting project and for translocation updates, please follow RHINO FORCE on Facebook, or &Beyond conservation  blog, “Carlisle on Conservation”www.andBeyond.com/carlisle_on_conservation).

 

For the Love of Rhinos, buy and wear your bracelet. Visit www.rhinoforce.co.za to purchase online.

 

ENDS

 

Issued by RHINO FORCE

T: 083 609 1111

www.rhinoforce.co.za

 

About RHINO FORCE

RHINO FORCE is a dynamic brand that creates international awareness and raises substantial funding for rhino conservation, through the sale of RHINO FORCE beaded bracelets. RHINO FORCE incorporates fundamental business principles to create philanthropy through commerce. Through the design, development and activation of multiple retail, corporate and electronic market platforms, RHINO FORCE successfully achieves its mission –  ‘Conservation through Commerce’, commercially known as ‘Save the Rhino…Buy a Bracelet’.

www.rhinoforce.co.za

 

About &Beyond

&Beyond is one of the world’s leading experiential travel companies, designing personalised luxury safaris in 16 African countries, as well as India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The company also owns and operates 32 extraordinary lodges and camps in Africa and India’s wilderness highspots. Established in 1991, &Beyond takes exceptional care of its guests in order to make a difference; its commitment to sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned.

www.andbeyond.com

 

About Motorite Administrators (Pty) Ltd

Motorite is the largest independent motor-related insurance administrator in southern Africa. Leaders in the administration and sales of warranty, maintenance and service plan products to the entire motor industry, Motorite offers unsurpassed levels of service and peace of motoring to its extensive customer base. Motorite places huge emphasis on uplifting the working and social environment of its community. By sponsoring &Beyond’s rhino translocation project, Motorite is playing an important role in ensuring the ongoing conservation of South Africa and Botswana’s natural heritage for future generations to come.

www.motorite.co.za

 

About Africa Foundation

Founded in 1992 to support &Beyond’s commitment to conservation and communities, Africa Foundation has built up a highly successful track record in empowering and enriching the lives of communities living adjacent to &Beyond’s safari lodges; specifically in the areas of healthcare, education and enterprise development. It is a registered trust and non-profit organisation, supported by its partners &Beyond, Africa Foundation UK, Africa Foundation USA, lodge guests and donors – www.africafoundation.org.za

FEED SA, a section 21 non-profit organisation, has partnered with The Bead Coalition (Pty) Ltd to raise funds for the vital feeding and education programmes it runs for children within townships. A bespoke, beaded bracelet, created by The Bead Coalition (Pty) Ltd, will help raise money for its various projects.

“At FEED SA we believe that a chance at a better life begins with a full tummy, which is why we’re committed to feeding the hearts, minds and tummies of South African children who are forced to go to school on an empty stomach,” explains Candice Etberg of FEED SA.

“Our goal is to establish feeding programmes within townships aimed at those who receive no other forms of funding. We wish to uplift South Africans by ensuring that each child from our beneficiaries is guaranteed at least two nutritious meals a day,” says Joanne Tooch of FEED SA.

In addition to the feeding programmes, FEED SA helps to build and set up crèches, including operations and infrastructure like classrooms, toilets, ablutions, kitchens and offices, as well as teacher training and teaching curriculum. “FEED SA takes a hands-on approach in the townships where we operate, at a grass roots level. We work with prominent and reliable leaders in the communities. To fund these projects, we approach corporate companies for their CSI, which in turn scores them points for their BEE ratings. We also engage in various fund-raising initiatives and approach the private sector” says Candice.

FEED SA’s latest project aims to raise funds through the sale of a bespoke South Africa Heritage Bracelet, created by The Bead Co. Joanne Lapin, CEO of The Bead Co, produced and designed the beaded bracelets, aimed at creating awareness and raising the funds needed to feed the hearts, minds and tummies of underprivileged South African children.

“The SA Heritage bracelet is a beautiful delivery mechanism for FEED SA’s message – That every child has a right to be fed, educated and uplifted. We are therefore extremely proud to be associated with this initiative,” says Lapin. Local production of these hand-beaded bracelets also creates employment opportunities for previously disadvantaged South Africans. “Nett profits from the sale and payment of every Heritage bracelet will go directly to the projects and causes supported by FEED SA,” she says.

“We therefore urge all South Africans to celebrate their heritage and offer their support to those who are much less fortunate than we are by purchasing these uniquely South African artifacts,” concludes Etberg and Tooch.

The bracelets are available for R40 per bracelet. Contact The Bead Co. on 083 609 1111 to order or email maureen@beadcoalition.com for further info.

 

Issued by The Bead Co. (Pty) Ltd

T: 083 609 1111

lisa@beadcoalition.com

 

About FEED SA

• Presently, FEED SA is assisting 41 beneficiaries (approximately  5,147 people)
• FEED SA focuses mainly on feeding, education and small building projects
• Food handouts are done on a monthly basis – guaranteeing each child/person at least two meals per day for the month.
• FEED SA trains teachers and care givers in the community, where the appropriate curriculum is then taught to the children – Teachers receive their Teacher Training certificate which is NQF level 4 training with an accreditation through the EDTP SETA
• FEED SA’s beneficiaries consist mainly of crèches, as well as Community Centres, after school programmes , AIDS orphans, the elderly and bed ridden citizens.
• FEED SA assists with building and structure where necessary, and where funds permit – with installation of toilets to building of classrooms, kitchens and little offices.
• FEED SA is compliant with companies BEE level score ratings – and issues section 18a’s for tax deduction purposes  www.feedsa.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

Mitsubishi Motors SA, which markets a growing range of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in South Africa, has joined RHINO FORCE, who is behind the red, black and white beaded bracelet, which creates public awareness and raises funds for translocation projects to save the species.

“We see this cause as being very close to the hearts of many South Africans and it fits in well with some important core principles of the Mitsubishi brand, namely adventure and the outdoor lifestyle,” says the marketing manager of Mitsubishi SA,  Braam Faul. “It’s as a win-win sponsorship because while we are helping conservation initiatives we are also increasing the awareness of the Mitsubishi brand as a concerned corporate citizen.”

RHINO FORCE, which was founded by Chris Thorpe and Joanne Lapin in 2010, has a sustainable business model that raises funds for Africa Foundation, earmarked for projects focused on saving Africa’s rhino populations. Translocations are fundamental to the ongoing survival of the endangered species. Six white rhino have been moved to safe haven in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where excellent security and monitoring systems are in place for their protection.

Rhino Force’s involvement includes an important corporate social responsibility element where local communities are involved in producing and packaging beaded rhino bracelets that are sold at more than 600 retail outlets throughout SA.

The bracelets are sold for R30, with 50% of the money going to the communities which produce and pack the items, 30% going to Africa Foundation to fund projects through direct action. The balance of 20% goes to marketing and distribution costs as well as a small profit for the retailer.

Mitsubishi’s sponsorship includes the loan of a 2013 double cab Triton 3.2 diesel bakkie with RHINO FORCE branding to the organisation, while the motor company will use its dealerships as retail outlets for the bracelets.

 

In return Rhino Force will get involved with joint promotional events with Mitsubishi and its dealers, all of which will benefit the project in terms of publicity and brand awareness.

“I believe we have a responsibility to get involved in a project such as this which aims to drastically reduce the number of these animals being killed for their horns,” added Braam Faul. “With 158 killed in South African already this year after the loss of 668 last year, this is a major undertaking and I am proud our company is playing a role in conservation.”

Mitsubishi has a proud South African heritage which spans back over 75 years. The South African product range has been specially suited to this country’s unique conditions and lifestyle and offer vehicles for the serious off roader, the urban family, the small businessman, the outdoor sportsman and the image-conscious young roader. Mitsubishi customers enjoy the benefit of a nationwide dealer network, a dedicated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic sales teams, highly professional service centres, finance and insurance packages, tailor-made to suit every need.

ENDS

 

Issued by RHINO FORCE

T: 083 609 1111

www.rhinoforce.co.za

lisa@rhinoforce.co.za

 

About RHINO FORCE

RHINO FORCE is a dynamic brand that creates international awareness and raises substantial funding for rhino conservation, through the sale of RHINO FORCE beaded bracelets. RHINO FORCE incorporates fundamental business principles to create philanthropy through commerce. Through the design, development and activation of multiple retail, corporate and electronic market platforms, RHINO FORCE successfully achieves its mission – ‘Conservation through Commerce’, commercially known as ‘Save the Rhino…Buy a Bracelet’.

www.rhinoforce.co.za

About &Beyond

&Beyond is one of the world’s leading experiential travel companies, designing personalised luxury safaris in 16 African countries, as well as India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The company also owns and operates 32 extraordinary lodges and camps in Africa and India’s wilderness highspots. Established in 1991, &Beyond takes exceptional care of its guests in order to make a difference; its commitment to sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned.

www.andbeyond.com

About Africa Foundation

Founded in 1992 to support &Beyond’s commitment to conservation and communities, Africa Foundation has built up a highly successful track record in empowering and enriching the lives of communities living adjacent to &Beyond’s safari lodges; specifically in the areas of healthcare, education and enterprise development. It is a registered trust and non-profit organisation, supported by its partners &Beyond, Africa Foundation UK, Africa Foundation USA, lodge guests and donors – www.africafoundation.org.za

RHINO FORCE, proudly sponsored by Mitsubishi SA, and Africa Foundation (&Beyond’s social development partner) have joined forces for 2013. Proceeds received from the sale of RHINO FORCE beaded bracelets will influence conservation through direct action namely a translocation project.

 

“We have been approached by many rhino organisations for funding. However, when Les Carlisle, &Beyond’s &Beyond’s Conservation Manager, approached us and explained his dreams of  translocating rhino from South Africa to Botswana we realised that our RHINO FORCE bracelet offered a  perfect fit together with &Beyond and Africa Foundation’s conservation plans”, says Joanne Lapin from RHINO FORCE.

 

To date, RHINO FORCE has already donated R325,000 to Africa Foundation and facilitated over a million Rand from generous donors, including lead sponsor Motorite Administrators.

 

Founded in 1992 to support &Beyond’s commitment to conservation and communities, Africa Foundation – a registered non-profit organisation – completes the model of integrating conservation, high-end tourism and communities to their mutual benefit.

 

Proceeds from the sale of RHINO FORCE bracelets are earmarked for projects focused on saving Africa’s rhino populations. A small portion will also be used for conservation initiatives in the local communities surrounding &Beyond’s wildlife areas to educate people on the importance of conservation to ensure the survival of our rhino for generations to come.

 

96 rhino have been poached this year alone; and in 2012 we lost 668 rhino to illegal poaching, a 49% increase from the previous year. Botswana has an excellent security system in place to protect these endangered animals and will be a safe haven for the six relocated rhino.

After years of negotiation and planning, the translocation process is underway. Game scouts from Botswana have undergone intensive tracking and monitoring training by &Beyond. The movement and behaviour of the six rhino will be closely monitored using satellite collars and telemetry and tracking equipment supplied by Chipembere Rhino Foundation.

 

“We are pleased to know that all the funds we donate or facilitate go directly to translocation, which is an effective way to counteract poaching.  We also believe it’s important to involve and educate the communities in this fight,” says Chris Thorpe, Director of RHINO FORCE. “We look forward to supporting &Beyond, and The Africa Foundation’s good work through our new partnership.”

ENDS

Issued by RHINO FORCE

T: 083 609 1111

www.rhinoforce.co.za

 

About RHINO FORCE

RHINO FORCE is a dynamic brand that creates international awareness and raises substantial funding for rhino conservation, through the sale of RHINO FORCE beaded bracelets. RHINO FORCE incorporates fundamental business principles to create philanthropy through commerce. Through the design, development and activation of multiple retail, corporate and electronic market platforms, RHINO FORCE successfully achieves its mission –  ‘Conservation through Commerce’, commercially known as ‘Save the Rhino…Buy a Bracelet’.

www.rhinoforce.co.za

 

About Africa Foundation

Founded in 1992 to support &Beyond’s commitment to conservation and communities, Africa Foundation has built up a highly successful track record in empowering and enriching the lives of communities living adjacent to &Beyond’s safari lodges; specifically in the areas of healthcare, education and enterprise development. It is a registered trust and non-profit organisation, supported by its partners &Beyond, Africa Foundation UK, Africa Foundation USA, lodge guests and donors – www.africafoundation.org.za

 

About &Beyond

&Beyond is one of the world’s leading experiential travel companies, designing personalised luxury safaris in 16 African countries, as well as India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The company also owns and operates 32 extraordinary lodges and camps in Africa and India’s wilderness highspots. Established in 1991, &Beyond takes exceptional care of its guests in order to make a difference; its commitment to sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned.

www.andbeyond.com

 

About Motorite Insurance Administrators

Motorite is the largest independent motor related insurance administrator in Southern Africa. Leaders in the administration and sales of warranty, maintenance and service plan products in the entire motor industry.

www.motorite.co.za

 

About Mitsubishi SA

Mitsubishi has a proud South African heritage which spans back over 75 years. Prospective and existing customers will enjoy and benefit from the excellent market focus for which Imperial Holdings is renowned and could look forward to the exciting new products to enter the local market in the near future. The South African product range has been specially suited to this country’s unique conditions and lifestyle and offer vehicles for the serious off roader, the urban family, the small businessman, the outdoor sportsman and the image-conscious young roader. Mitsubishi customers enjoy the benefit of a nationwide dealer network, a dedicated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic sales teams, highly professional service centres, finance and insurance packages, tailor-made to suit every need.

www.mitsubishi-motors.co.za