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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 15, 2007 - 35 Artscene Oakville Beaver · FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2007 Zulu jewelry line Canadian launch here tonight South African communities. Along with teaching beadwork, Bedford uses her time in the villages to A jewelry line that can be traced to instruct the women on issues such as remote South Africa and provides fair human rights, AIDS prevention and famitrade employment to a large number of ly planning, along with how to take women in impoverished villages, will cel- charge in their community. ebrate its Canadian launch here tonight. "Since 1985 she has been going into The Jane Bedford the villages, and (she) Beadwork Collection is a "Since 1985 she has works with the people," said line of unique jewelry cre- been going into the de Boer. "She is the designated by South African er and she trains them." villages, and (she) women from poor vilThe skills and employworks with lages. ment the South African Each piece is hand- the people." women have received has crafted with no two pieces created lasting and positive Mieke de Boer being the same. changes in their lives. "It is individually hand"That's why it's so signifcrafted, it's made by Zulu women, and this icant," said Fotopoulos. artist (Jane Bedford) that organizes every"It gives fair trade employment to hunthing and is working with it, is actually sup- dreds of these women who would otherporting several villages in Africa through wise be destitute. Most of them are victims this work and fair trade employment," said of crime and violence. So these efforts and Bess Fotopoulos, one of the partners this funding goes to give them a livelihood. involved in the Canadian launch. "So it's a The whole concept that Jane has been wonderful cause, each piece is a work of art, working with is the basic idea that rather there are no two that are alike." then give these people some money, we are The jewelry is sold across the globe in teaching them and training them how to high-profile stores such as Saks Fifth live and how to make an income and how Avenue in New York City and Harrods in to build a community." London, England. The journey of these women and their The unveiling will be taking place at legacy has now made its way to the the Haberdasher Bead Boutique, located doorstep of the community. at 92A Dunn St. tonight between 6-9 Oakville was chosen as the location for p.m. the Canadian debut of the jewelry due to Fotopoulos and the other half of the the atmosphere of the vibrant downtown partnership, South African native, Mieke core, which, according to de Boer and de Boer, decided Canada was the perfect Fotopoulos, fits perfectly with the nature place to launch the jewelry line. of their product. "I am from South Africa, and I'm "We chose it for several reasons," said South African," said de Boer. "I feel I have Fotopoulos. "Oakville, when you look at to give something back to the country." the downtown area, is quite unique. All of For more than 30 years, de Boer trav- the merchants sell something that has a elled around the world and has served as certain flair, it's not a mass-market enviproducer and co-host of Travel Magazine, ronment." an international travel show. The work of the South African women During her travels, de Boer met who create the jewelry is sure to be appreBedford. Through their friendship, de ciated by the Oakville community and Boer was introduced to Bedford's work in soon, the rest of Canada. SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER By Andrew Fruch DEBUT: Jane Bedford (left) chats with South African women about creating beadwork jewelry, which is sold across the globe. It is making its Canadian debut in Oakville tonight. www.dealsonmealsauction.com Don't miss this SENSATIONAL event! GREAT DEALS on your favourite restaurants VISIT www.dealsonmealsauction.com editorial highlights: · Are you fit for golf? Tips to get in shape for the game · Get growing organically this summer · Ban the tan: health experts advise · What's all the fuss about trans fats? · Plus summer salsa and berry healthy delights Bid for Metroland Coming June 2007 Request a free copy email: info@live-it.ca Live It! Canada's Health and Wellness Magazine Free Retro Cap with a Jays Gift Card Purchase For a complete listing of retailers visit bluejays.com/giftcards · www.live-it.ca Complete offer details at bluejays.com/giftcards. Offer expires June 30, 2007. While quantities last. TMTrademark of Rogers Blue Jays Baseball Partnership ©2007