After a community in Kenton-on-Sea lost a precious teenager, they united to help her family and friends heal in a way Jade would’ve adored. Through Beads for Jade, they have been able to provide grief counselling, community support, and an incredible way to honour Jade’s impactful life:
Kenton-on-Sea, South Africa (23 February 2024) — On 01 January, a small coastal town in the Eastern Cape experienced one of the toughest things any community will go through. A beacon of light named Jade, lost her life at just 16 years old after she was knocked over by a car while crossing the road.
As community member Warren Gibson tells Good Things Guy:
“She was a shining light in the community, it’s affected all of us as she was loved by everyone.
“Jade was loud and friendly. Caring and honest. Kind and helpful. Incredibly creative and hard-working and spent hours beading her own range of necklaces. She was the first at any charity event/fundraiser/community upliftment opportunity.”
When incidents like this shatter a close-knit community, it can be so incredibly tough to put the pieces back together. But, as Warren shares, this community have found a way in a very literal sense.
Jade used to make her own beaded jewellery and sell it in shops like the one Warren and his wife have (where Jade also used to work). Continuing what Jade started, friends of hers began their healing process by beading and being together. All in her honour, bead by bead and piece by piece, they have managed to put together beautiful necklaces while piecing their collective hearts together again.
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One Saturday, teenagers and adults sat making the necklaces. Soon, it became a weekly thing. Making these pieces of jewellery has honoured Jade in a way her friends are sure she would’ve adored. And by selling them, the makers have been able to provide grief counselling for her family and friends.
Where grief often has a way of isolating us, Beads for Jade is a reminder as to why coming together matters so much.
Sources: Website Submission
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