(PRESS RELEASE) ROYAL OAK, MI — Gem Legacy Board of Directors member Craig Selimotic Danforth set forth a personal goal in 2020 to donate to the non-profit to make a meaningful difference to the East African colored gemstone mining regions. Danforth is also 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, which has now been completed.
The installation of one solar panel (a total price tag of $5,120) at the Mwatate Children’s Home in Kenya is now giving orphans light at night to read books, practice their English skills, as well as complete homework. Sunset is around 6pm year-round in Kenya so this allows the children as much time as possible for learning. Additionally, a solar panel will exponentially increase the sanitation of the children’s daily lives.
“The 28 kids under the care of the Mwatate Children’s Home are so excited about the changes in their life from the solar panel,” said Roger Dery, founder and director of Gem Legacy. “During a pandemic, obviously the enormous sanitary improvements to their daily life are our first priority. Long term, the ability to heat water and have light will continue to impact their holistic growth. We thank Craig and Jewelers Mutual for teaming up with us to make this possible and making a statement by reinvesting in their 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.
“I am overjoyed to see the solar panel initiative realized,” said Danforth. “This is an accomplishment I’ve been waiting for with great anticipation. And yet, realizing this goal pales in comparison to what the orphans of the Mwatate Children’s Home will now be able to achieve. Given this opportunity, they will truly help light the way for fellow East African children.”
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.
For information on Jewelers Mutual’s giving efforts, visit JewelersMutual.com/social-responsibility.