Gem Legacy advisory board member Craig Selimotic Danforth set a personal goal this year to donate to the non-profit to make a meaningful difference to the East African colored gemstone mining regions.
Danforth is the Vice President of Client Solutions at Jewelers Mutual Group, where giving back is a large part of the company’s story. So much so that they provide a 50% charitable gift match for employee donations to nonprofit organizations, like Gem Legacy. Together, Danforth and Jewelers Mutual’s monetary contributions pushed Gem Legacy to its 2020 funding goal for a solar panel installation.
The installation of one solar panel at the Mwatate Children’s Home in Kenya will give orphans light at night to read books, practice their English skills, as well as complete homework. Sunset is around 6 p.m. year-round in Kenya so this will allow the children as much time as possible for learning. Additionally, a solar panel will exponentially increase the sanitation of the children’s daily lives.
"A simple solar panel will be life-changing for these 28 orphans,” said Roger Dery, Founder and Director of Gem Legacy. “Changing lives is what we're all about and we thank Craig and Jewelers Mutual for collaborating with us to make this possible! I think the completion of this fund shows the power of coming together toward a common goal and committing to giving back and reinvesting within our own industry. This orphanage was founded by local gem dealers and continues to be funded by local members of the gem trade; our support of their efforts to contribute to their community are invaluable."
Jewelers Mutual’s gift match program is one way the company supports employees to be socially responsible and involved in the community.
“It’s been an honor to collaborate with Gem Legacy to create positive change in East Africa,” said Danforth. “My philanthropic philosophy historically focuses on groups that don’t have a voice within the larger global community. Therefore, when the opportunity presented itself to assist these children, it was an easy decision, both logically and emotionally. Using technology will help provide for a better future by propelling their lives forward. The added advantage for these children is I work for Jewelers Mutual – an organization which takes its charitable responsibilities to the industry seriously.”
If you’d like to learn more about how you can support Gem Legacy’s mission and initiatives around kids, education and entrepreneurship, visit gemlegacy.org.
