Founder of Relate Trust | Philanthropist | Social Entrepreneur
Lauren is most notably known as the founder of Relate Trust, a non-profit social enterprise with a game changing impact model. Lauren’s vision is to find simple and creative solutions to generate employment and lessen the economic divide. Her passion is helping people in need of an opportunity to better their circumstances, whilst also providing an effective, sustainable and tangible fundraising tool for charitable causes. Since 2010 Relate has raised over R60million, sold over 3.5 million bracelets, supported over 100 causes globally and positively impacted thousands of lives.
While studying Social Work at Wits University, Lauren got to understand that inequality is inevitable in any society. But what has always disturbed her is the inequality of opportunity. In 2012 Lauren presented a TEDx Cape Town talk entitled ‘Redefining Philanthropy’ and in 2013 she was awarded the Paul Harris award by Rotary for her exceptional service to the community.
Lauren has spent many years in various businesses, from textiles to containerised housing, and in the field of Rehabilitation of Newly Blinded. She was also instrumental in forming the Down Syndrome Association Transvaal; and has since developed a number of other philanthropic organisations. This includes The Jardine Joggers (now affiliated to Achilles International based in New York), which enables people with different disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics. She completed the Comrades Marathon and her own personal challenge of training and guiding blind runners. The highlight of her life has been preparing and taking physically and mentally challenged athletes through marathons, including the New York Marathon.
“We are all connected, and each of us has the opportunity, responsibility and privilege to be agents of social change.” - Lauren Gillis
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LAUREN speaks to Strongest Story on marathons as a metaphor for life and the colourful threads that connect us …
“I was once asked, if I had to repeat one year of my life, which year would it be? Without hesitation my answer was, “My most difficult year”. I found that fascinating! I chose that year because although it was so difficult, it was also very empowering. We definitely grow through adversity and pain; in fact, I believe that “Adversity breaks open human potential”.
I also believe that anyone who has lived the human experience, will have challenges. Some of my challenges have been dealing with divorce, the loss of my parents and being a mom/stepmom in a blended family. My mother was an incredible role model, who had a positive attitude and always focused on others. It was no surprise then, that I pursued a career in the helping profession. Mahatma Gandhi said that "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” My life has certainly shown me how true this is. I have been blessed to learn powerful lessons and grow through people who have had to overcome such difficult life challenges. Creating opportunities for others feeds my soul. I learned that anything is possible when Jonny, who is blind; Bret, who was physically challenged and Donna, who is severely mentally challenged, completed a marathon. They taught me about courage, determination and resilience. They taught me that deep inside every human being are the resources to achieve anything one sets ones mind to. For me; a marathon is a metaphor for life. One needs a clear time-defined goal, a belief in that goal and then really hard to work to turn a thought or a dream into a reality. People often say that I live a selfless life, but they are so wrong. In fact, I believe that my life is pretty selfish and serving others has given me a sense of purpose, which make me feel good.
Someone who has inspired me is Nellie Mkunqwana, who was my domestic worker. She came from an extremely disadvantaged background in the Eastern Cape with no electricity, running water, nor privacy. Nellie was given the opportunity in 2011 to join Relate full time. In 2014 she started studying social work part time with UNISA and in 2018 she was part of a Stanford University research team focusing on breastfeeding trends in the townships. She is presently in her final year of social work. Nellie is a woman who inspires me. She is dedicated, determined and courageous. Her life is one challenge after another and yet she always lives with gratitude and a smile and that is how she overcomes every hand that she is dealt.
OUR story is a South African story of two women, one from a privileged background and one from a disadvantaged background, and how we have empowered each other.”
A personal message from Strongest Story:
The first time we met was at an elegant fundraiser many years ago. What struck me more than Lauren’s gracious energy and beautiful blue eyes was the array of colourful, beaded bracelets that adorned her arm. She wore them with unspeakable pride and what a conversation starter they were! Turns out that you too will have seen these gorgeous jewels at the checkout counter of a variety of retailers – the strong causes they highlight cannot go unnoticed. Human connection is at the heart of who Lauren is. I’ve known Lauren to be passionate about finding innovative ways to lessen the divide between the haves and the have-nots. What feeds her gentle soul is generating opportunities for others; giving dignity and hope. From job creation to taking blind, physically or mentally challenged athletes through marathons; Lauren is a kind Philanthropist at heart – always focusing on the greater good. Lauren , we admire how you have helped so many people become the hero in their own stories and Strongest Story is proud to call you a friend!