With relief efforts in Nepal more urgent than ever, following the devastating earthquake that saw a death toll of 5,500, luxury jewellery brand Bulgari has stepped in to offer financial support.
Supporting Save the Children’s humanitarian response, Bulgari has donated €500,000 (Dhs2 million). The goal is to help normalise the lives and living conditions of the children and families affected by the earthquake.
Bulgari has partnered with Save The Children since 2009 “deciding to take action on behalf of disadvantaged children around the world, as too many children are unable to attain their own aspirations because the lack of education perpetuates the cycle of poverty.”
The luxury brand’s generous donation is in dire need in the country that has now declare a national state of emergency.
Jean-Christophe Babin, Chief Executive Officer of the Bulgari Group said: “The earthquake in Nepal has had such devastating consequences. We need to do as much as we can, and as quickly as we can. The children and their families are our first priority. Especially in the critical area of nutrition which is the focus of Milano 2015 Universal Exhibition where we already collaborate with Save the Children on this crucial theme.”
Since the earthquake, which reached a magnitude for 7.8 on the richter scale, hit Nepal on April 28 over 8 million people, including 3.2 million of children and adolescents, live in the affected area; more than 6,800 have died; over 14,000 injured; 320,000 children are homeless. The numbers keep rising.
The destruction of roads, bridges and other infrastructure makes humanitarian access and communication difficult. Despite these logistical difficulties, Save the Children teams have managed to arrive on the ground with life-saving aid just hours after the earthquake.
Already, the teams have reached victims with tarpaulins and rope so they can set up temporary shelters. They have distributed baby kits containing items such as warm clothes, blankets and soap to help protect vulnerable infants from the cold nights and limited sanitation. They are also deploying a multi-sector intervention to reach up to 1 million of the most affected people in an effort to respond to the basic needs of children and their families in terms of health, education and protection.
Delailah Borja, Save the Children’s Country Director in Nepal said: “The risk of disease outbreaks and exposure are very real, especially for young children. That is why we are moving fast to get hygiene kits, tarpaulins, and warm children’s sleeping bags out to everyone who needs them.”
As part of its long-term relationship with Save the Children, Bulgari launched a campaign in which part of the proceeds from the sale of Save the Children jewellery – custom designed by Bulgari – are donated to the charity. Inspired by the iconic B.zero1 jewellery line, the special collection comprises a ring, launched in October 2010, and the new pendant, launched in April 2014. The collection’s two pieces are available in Bulgari stores worldwide.
For more information on how you can help with relief efforts, visit here.
Maim image: Corbis
