GUELPH – Bracelet of Hope has launched a new, $100,000 campaign to fund mobile health units in Lesotho, Southern Africa, by selling handcrafted bracelets.
These red and white beaded bracelets, made by women in South Africa, are available for $5 at Guelph businesses, with 100% of the proceeds supporting this healthcare initiative.
The new bracelet boxes were designed and donated by Cambridge printer, Allcard.
Folks in Wellington County may remember Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik, who founded Bracelet of Hope in 2009 to raise funds to establish the first AIDS clinic in Lesotho.
With the support of the University of Guelph and numerous residents, the Tsepong Clinic opened in Lesotho in 2009.
Zajdlik won many accolades for her work including the Order of Ontario.
Operation of the clinic has since been assumed by the local government and Bracelet of Hope has shifted its focus to funding mobile clinics that serve the broader population.
“Over 70% of Lesotho’s population lives in rural areas, many of which have no access to healthcare at all. It’s a problem that demands action, and we want to help solve it,” states Bracelet of Hope board chair Tracey Curtis in a press release.
In partnership with SolidarMed, Bracelet of Hope operates two mobile health units serving Butha Buthe district and a second unit, serving 15 remote areas in the Mokhotlong district.
These mobile health units bring the only healthcare to people in some of the most isolated and mountainous areas of Lesotho, providing medical care to more than 2,000 people each month—equating to 24,000 people per year.
Lesotho faces critical health challenges. It has the second-highest HIV infection rate globally, the highest rate of tuberculosis in the world, and an alarming infant mortality rate.
In a country where more than 57% of the population lives below the poverty line, many communities have no access to healthcare. For them, these mobile health units are a lifeline.
“These clinics provide life-saving prenatal and postnatal care, along with treatment for tuberculosis, HIV, and hypertension,” Curtis said.
“Without them, many would go untreated for life-threatening conditions. Every $5 bracelet sold ensures we can continue bringing essential healthcare to those in need. Buying one bracelet may seem small, but it’s part of a larger movement—a movement that is saving lives.
“Support from Guelph, Wellington and Waterloo is invaluable,” she continued. “You’re not just buying a bracelet—you’re buying hope.”
Bracelets are available for $5 donation. One hundred per cent of the proceeds from bracelet sales go directly to the cause.
Donors can use cash or a QR code at the following Guelph businesses: Acqua Salon, Apple Salon, Atmosphere Cafe, Balzacs Guelph, Benjamin’s Botega, BioPed, Cardinal Hair Co, Cedar Lily Boutique, Cheeky Bambino, Coco Latte, Creative Edge, Diana’s, Eric The Baker, Feather & Foe, Flour Barrel, Grit & Grace Clothing, Guelph Music, IF Footwear, Kennedy Park, Killer Cupcakes and Lady Glaze.
Others include La Pouche Barbershop, Le Petit Spa, Millennium Clothing, Miijidaa Cafe & Bistro, Ms. Meri Mak, Park Eatery, Polestar Bakery, Ponds Foto Source, Reid’s Chocolate, Red Brick Cafe, Royal City Nursery, Sweet Violets, The Bookshelf Bookstore, The Common, The Cornerstone, The Olive Experience. The Patch. The Refill Bar, The Ten Spot, Triangle Sewing, Wellington Cakes, Woolwich Arms.
For more information about Bracelet of Hope, including volunteer opportunities and donations, visit braceletofhope.ca or follow BOH on Instagram @braceletofhope.ca.
