Dog Collar Charms and Charity

By Jackie O'Neal

Hattie Cope Elliot, founder of Socially Conscious Companion loves pets and designing their accessories. "I really love my work. It's a marriage of two things I care about. I'm constantly involved with the artisans and I'm a huge pet lover," she said.

The vision for the company, also known as SOCOCO, began in Cape Town, South Africa where Cope Elliot was enrolled as a student at the University of Cape Town. Gravitating there at a young age originally, she eventually majored in Philosophy and Politics. "I went there at the age of 15, after apartheid, as an exchange student," she noted.

Inspired by the skilled Township artisans specializing in wire and beaded jewelry, Cope Elliot made the connection between the extravagance of NYC pet owners, and the accessibility of the Cape Town artisans to launch her line of what she terms "canine couture." Her colorful collection includes hand- crafted charms pets can sport on their collars to make a unique fashion statement. From hearts to bones, the collection includes an AIDS ribbon charm. Several trendy Manhattan shops carry the line, so vist the website for more information.

After a successful launch in NYC, Cope Elliot wanted to continue to make a difference in South Africa by donating a portion of her company's proceeds to an AIDS orphanage. "I did a lot of research. The social consciousness about AIDS is increasing in South Africa," she said.

Located in the Khayelitsha Township in Cape Town and run by volunteers, the Baphumelele Children's Home receives orphaned newborns to young adolescents up to age 19. "The orphanage has an amazing school where they teach practical skills. Many other facilities don't provide the education and tools and they accept kids from all over the community," she said.

Currently, SOCOCO donates a generous percentage of company proceeds to the orphanage and a bi-annual fundraiser is in the works. The first one is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2006 and will be held at Redemption from 8-10 pm at 1003 2nd Ave NW corner of 53rd St. in Manhattan. A silent auction is planned as well. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets go on sale Feb.1st. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the orphanage. SOCOCO is also accepting silent auction donations.

Cheers, Hattie!

For more information visit: http://www.gosococo.com
And http://www.baphumelele.org.za