The Vrede Foundation – founded by Herman Pretorius, who lost his battle to cancer eight days before his 30th birthday in 2015 – is dedicated to raising awareness, early detection, as well as funds for young South Africans with cancer.
South African rock star and Pretorius’ close friend Francois Van Coke has partnered with Relate Bracelets to sell a bespoke Relate bracelet to raise funds for the Vrede Foundation.
Pretorius was a well-known figure in South Africa’s rock scene. He established the Vrede Foundation to combat the lack of knowledge about cancer among South Africa’s youth. As the number of young people affected by cancer continues to rise, the Vrede Foundation wants to share information about the disease, how to manage it, and how to assist those affected by cancer. The foundation also raises funds and provides financial assistance to young South Africans with cancer who have no access to medical aid.
Relate Bracelets makes handmade beaded bracelets in support of more than 70 causes, the latest being the Vrede Foundation. Proceeds from the sale of each bracelet support not only the relevant causes, but also the seniors in impoverished communities who supplement their pensions by threading the beads. Many of these senior citizens care for their grandchildren and others orphaned by HIV/Aids. Relate’s younger staff members, who close and pack the bracelets, also benefit with training in their chosen fields to further their careers beyond Relate.
On Tuesday, 22 February, Francois Van Coke launched the Vrede Foundation Relate Bracelets at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice in Menlyn with an exclusive acoustic live performance. This is what Francois said “The launches went very well. Pretoria is like home to us & it’s nice to play to the Pretoria crowd. Cape Town is home so it’s always good to play there. People seem to be really digging the bracelets, which is the most important thing, and hopefully we’ll help a few people.”
Bracelets are available at only R50, you can purchase them at his gigs and at the merchandise site on vancokes.co.za when the site goes live.
For more information about the Vrede Foundation, visit www.vredefoundation.co.za
This article was first published in the 26 February 2016 by Purely Local and is available online here