Gems Keep Giving, an international charitable initiative supporting artisanal colored gemstone mining and cutting communities, has undergone a significant restructuring.
The organization, originally launched by the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), has appointed a new board and leadership team as part of its efforts to extend its impact within the global colored gemstone industry. The newly elected board members include Hayley Henning (Chair), Damien Cody, Clement Sabbagh, Ruth Benjamin-Thomas, Brian Cook, Rocco Gay, Cecilia Gardner, Robert Weldon, and Henry Ho.
Focus on Supporting Artisanal Gemstone Communities
Gems Keep Giving was established to provide aid to artisanal mining and cutting communities, which play a vital role in the colored gemstone supply chain. Board Chair Hayley Henning emphasized the importance of supporting these communities. “Together, we intend to raise funds to support colored gemstone mining and cutting communities that need it most,” she stated. Henning mentioned that the organization’s ties with ICA would be used to support these communities, which face significant challenges.
“The colored gemstone supply pipeline is inherently different from the diamond industry. The majority of colored gems, in dozens of varieties, are produced by artisanal miners worldwide, most often in areas where the economic, political, social, and infrastructural circumstances are highly challenging,” Henning explained. She continued, “The international gemstone industry and trade fully depend on these mining communities and the people that comprise them, without whom we wouldn’t have gemstones!” Henning stressed that it is in the interest of all stakeholders to support these communities, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.
Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals
A core objective of Gems Keep Giving is to align its efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization seeks to empower stakeholders across the supply chain to contribute to the well-being of artisanal mining and cutting communities, in accordance with these global sustainability goals. Henning reinforced this mission: “Gems Keep Giving offers businesses in our industry, across the supply chain, an opportunity and a platform to contribute towards their well-being, bearing in mind the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), as set out by the United Nations.”
Gems Keep Giving also provides a formal mechanism for distributing financial assistance. Henning explained the process for requesting aid: “Each application for funding will be considered on its merits after submission to the Gems Keep Giving website or through direct contact with members of the affected communities.”
Broadening Reach and Expanding Contributions
With its restructuring, Gems Keep Giving is focusing on expanding its reach to attract greater financial support from industry stakeholders. Henning outlined the organization’s strategy to attract contributions from industry stakeholders, corporate sponsors, foundations, and other supporters.
The organization has updated its website to support its outreach efforts. Henning encouraged interested parties to visit the site for more information: “Please take a look at our refreshed website for more information. All donations are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.”
