Treat yourself with this special opportunity
I’d like to tell you a short-ish story about a colleague and his family, as well as the opportunity to buy jewellery and help a family in need at the same time!
My colleague at Jewel Envy, Shafiq Sarwari, is a talented, kind, and hardworking goldsmith and lapidarist (he cuts and polishes stones) who came to Canada in 2016, escaping the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
Now Shafiq’s family is in peril. After their actions as collaborators with the US armed forces during their residence in Afghanistan, they had to flee to Pakistan, leaving everything behind in order to survive. Currently, they are refugees in Pakistan, but can’t stay there indefinitely.
Including parents, siblings and nieces/nephews, there are seven adults and five children who are being sponsored to come to Canada. The adults are all highly educated, and eager to contribute to life in Canada, but the financial requirements for them to come through the government refugee sponsorship program are pretty hefty. There is a Group of Five who have committed to sponsoring this special family group, with a goal of raising $120 000 to support them through their first year in Canada.
As a group, I and my colleagues (past and present) at Jewel Envy are doing a fundraising event to support our valued colleague. This is an online auction for jewellery that is open now, until early June.
Although the goldsmiths have been given the opportunity to receive part of the payment for any of their individual pieces sold, I have elected to donate my pieces in their entirety. The great thing about the auction is that there is such a range of prices and styles, you’re sure to find something to suit you!
Amethyst and sterling silver necklace
Please help me support my amazing colleague, Shafiq, in making it possible for his family to start a new life free of fear and persecution by (either, or both!):
Bidding generously on the auction items (it is also possible to donate through this platform. To save the processing fees charged by the platform, feel free to contact Jewel Envy- info@jewelevny.ca - to find out how to contribute directly to the sponsorship fund.)
Please share the auction with your friends, family, and network. If everyone contributes just a fraction of what they can, we’ll reach our goal.
Citrine and sterling silver pendant on a snake chain
If you are interested in other events that are going to occur to support this special initiative, I’d love to hear from you! Email, and let me know!
