With the release of their new video “Rainbow” on January 31st, internationally-acclaimed band SHEL has launched a campaign to spread awareness and raise support for Hope Springz, a locally-run craft center in Vrindavan, India that empowers exiled widows by teaching them skills, providing community, and giving them purpose.
“In many rural societies in India, people believe that the loss of a woman’s husband is a result of her bad karma,” says SHEL’s Eva Holbrook. “There’s a ceremony after his death that involves dressing her in white (the color of death), smashing the bangles around her wrist, and turning her out of society to beg on the streets. Often her own children abandon her. Our vision is to provide support for widows with the help of Hope Springz.”
“This one room apartment empowers over 30 women, providing them with community, purpose, and loving support through skill development programs, including jewelry making,” she continues. “We commissioned Rainbow bracelets from Hope Springz as a symbol of restored dignity and color in the lives of the women who make them.” The bracelets are available for purchase HERE. All proceeds from the sale of the bracelets goes directly to Hope Springz to enable the center to continue their important work.
Eva traveled to India to make the music video for “Rainbow” with a focus on raising much-needed funds and awareness for these vulnerable women. SHEL (sisters Sarah, Hannah, Eva, and Liza Holbrook) hope their partnership with Hope Springz will make a lasting impact.
After a period of rest and rejuvenation to focus on their individual needs and to nurture their sisterhood, SHEL is back with a new EP, Wild Child, produced with Joey Verskotzi and Tim Myers (previously of OneRepublic), set for release on March 6th. “Rainbow” is the first single from Wild Child, and also marks a new era for the band.
More information on SHEL can be found at their official website.
