Southland CanBead has launched a new event that asks bosses to design and make jewellery to raise funds for the CanInspire Trust.

Southland CanBead co-ordinator Rachael Allan said the Invercargill group KIND Women is partnering with CanInspire Southland to promote the event, which encourages “creativity, bribery and cheating”.

“We want as many businesses in Southland to get involved as possible. This is a fun and easy way to support a worthy cause while at the same time having fun with your staff,” she said. 

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For a $50 entry fee bosses get to use the charity’s CanBead kit bag, which contains tools, findings and a selection of beads, to design a piece or collection of jewellery. 

The works of art will be judged by contemporary jewellers, Anna Claire, Brendon Jaine, Jane Sutherland and Jessica Winchcombe, and Rachael said bribing the judges with money is encouraged. 

“Additional funds raised for CanInspire within businesses, by whatever means, will give bosses' entries extra points, as well as posts and post likes on social media,” she said.

The winning piece, or collection, will be worn by Christchurch entertainer and advocate Joanne Neilson at her event, “An Evening with Joanne Neilson”, in Invercargill on May 27.

Rachael said there were no design restrictions and input from staff was very much encouraged.

Bosses will be provided with video tutorials on jewellery-making and can also attend an optional workshop with a local CanBead Tutor.

Registrations for the competition close on Wednesday March 31, giving bosses a whole month to work on their creations.

All entries will be displayed for public viewing.

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About CanBead

CanInspire was founded in 2010, with its CanBead workshops providing creative therapy for people experiencing illness, trauma and loss.

CanBead workshops are now delivered to hundreds of people each year in six regions across New Zealand. 

The service extended to Southland in 2019. The charity works with agencies such as Cancer Society, the Invercargill Loss & Grief Centre and Southland Help. 

The trust has ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ as one of its principles.