Columbia Gem House is hosting its sixth annual fundraising raffle, Cutting Toward Change, to address occupational health and safety issues in Gujarat, India.
The raffle will run from October 1 to 31, with 100% of ticket sales going to Peoples Training & Research Centre (PTRC). Each piece featured in Cutting Toward Change was designed and donated by participants in the Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge, courtesy of Columbia Gem House. The company also supplied the gemstones and silver to create the designs. Columbia Gem House will offer the jewels through an online raffle on its website, coinciding with the voting period for the MJSA Design Challenge.
Proceeds from the initiative will support the work PTRC carries out, particularly to fight silicosis in the gem and jewelry sector, Vancouver, Washington-based gem cutter, wholesaler and jewelry manufacturer Columbia Gem House said last week.
The research center provides guidance and awareness through training, documentation, research and advocacy for workers’ rights. Silicosis is an incurable lung disease that results from prolonged exposure to respirable silica dust, which affects workers throughout India. The organization spreads awareness of the illness, promotes safer working conditions, and support employees and communities affected by exposure, the company added.
Image: The jewelry pieces featured in Cutting Toward Change. (Columbia Gem House)
