The first annual Brave Heart Bears initiative organised by non-profit organisation Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) was launched on 25 November to coincide with the start of 16 Days of Activism.
Held at Jenna Clifford studio in Morningside, attendees were greeted by cute and stylish teddy bears, and the Soweto Gospel Choir also made an appearance, all for a good cause.
The organisation’s founder Miranda Jordan-Friedmann said the aim of this initiative was to help raise funds for the organisation to ensure that every child gets the various therapies they needed after being abused.
Emcee for the day, YFM’s Khutso Theledi said this cause was something close to her heart. She added that with support from the station, it was an important cause that needed to have more awareness and spread the message.
“We have always partnered with WMACA on various initiatives and it is very important for us to educate and get the message of WMACA across about child abuse a much as possible.” said the station’s brand consultant and media liaison officer, Natasha Wadvalla.
She added that the abuse of women and children was something that heavily affected South Africa.
“The President called it a pandemic on its own and so I think that it is the responsibility of every single media organisation, every single citizen in this country to speak out against it.”
Doing just that, designers from all over South Africa pulled together to dress the bears to the nines and it showed.
Legendary designer JJ Schoeman said he was excited and humbled to be part of this initiative because it was something dire that had been happening. Aesthetically pleasing, his gorgeous style and glamorous flair showed in his bear designs.
“Of course it’s evening wear, the dress on the female bear is my natural glam aesthetic from the train to the sequence. My bear even has earrings so you can borrow them from her to match your own gorgeous gown. With the boy bear, I decided to make a cat suit because why not? Sequence again because that’s the JJ Schoeman way and of course, it’s a one-of-a-kind design,” he added.
He teased that we may get to see life-sized versions of his bear designs one day in the future.
There are more than 100 beautifully dressed bears available for purchase and viewing until 20 December at Jenna Clifford studio. Prices start from R2 500 and all proceeds will go to the organisation. One bear will gift a child 12 therapy sessions to help them heal especially in these trying times.
To purchase a bear and help the cause visit www.wmaca.org or Jenna Clifford studio in Morningside.
