Relate is a not-for-profit social enterprise that does not rely on funding. Instead, income is generated through the creation and sale of simple decorative beaded bracelets, and used to fund a variety of beneficiaries. In the process, the lives of the beaders are changed as they develop skills, find employment and gain dignity.
The insertion of a small, signature “R” bead in each bracelet represents a philosophy of Respect, Recognition and Responsibility for self and others. A large charm bead in every bracelet displays the branding of the cause it represents. Relate has developed cause bracelets for United Against Malaria, the Amy Biehl Foundation, Ikamva Labantu, Soccer4Hope, Reach for a Dream and The Shine Centre, among others.
The beading of Relate bracelets has managed to up lift the lives of numerous South African township communities, including senior citizens with orphaned grandchildren in their care, unemployed school leavers, the mentally and physically challenged and refugees seeking asylum in South Africa.
Relate was co-founded by Lauren Gillis and her brother-in-law Glenn Gillis, out of their desire and passion to make a difference in the lives of others.
The Impact of Relate
- "for the young beaders, it restored their dignity and pride" - Nellie- QC and supervisor of 2 beading groups
- "for the people in the informal settlements doing the beading, it's a lifeline" - Kingsley Holgate -African Explorer and humanitarian
- "Relate's donations have helped hundreds of orphaned and vulnerable children and their foster mamas." - Helen Lieberman- Founder of Ikamva Labantu
- "It inspires me that something so small/simple can create such opportunities on so many levels, to change lives." - Lauren Gillis - Co-founder Relate
- "The seniors at the clubs gain a sense of power" - Phumla - Ikamva Senior Centres Supervisor
