Toronto’s less fortunate are getting a helping hand from local jewellery designers and celebrities.
Launched by 18Karat Goldsmiths, the Uniti Collection will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Red Door Family Shelter. The collection is made up of jewellery symbolizing home, family, and community designed in collaboration with celebrities.
Organizers are hoping to raise $20,000 from the auction.
“We are heartened by the outpour of support we are receiving from 18Karat, the designers, and celebrities, to help the Red Door Family Shelter and our families,” said the organization’s executive director, Bernnitta Hawkins. “We are beholden to everyone for their support.”
Red Door provides a temporary home for families. It also offers refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence and refugees needing emergency housing.
Dino Giannetti, master goldsmith and co-owner of 18Karat, says these issues resonate through society and are a call to action.
“Creating the Uniti Collection and collaborating with so many artists in support of the Red Door Family Shelter has been a wonderful experience, and an opportunity for us all to give to the community in a unique way,” he added.
The jewellery was co-created by Meghan Schnarr, Amy Kovach, Kim Drosdick, Samatha Hawkes, Dino Giannetti, Therese Cruz, Vanessa Laurin, Darlene Martin, Suzanne Crudden, Alisha Boyd, Jenny Bird, and Shelly Purdy. Each has donated the piece they created to the auction.
Among those celebrities who volunteered their time and helped design the Uniti Collection are:
• Alexandra Weston and the Weston Family;
• World Figure Skating Champion Elvis Stojko;
• Actors Gordon and Leah Pinsent;
• Breakfast Television hosts Dina Pugliese and Jennifer Valentyne;
• Singer/songwriter Justin Hines;
• Jonas Chernick and Athena Karkanis, stars of CBC TV’s, The Border;
• Country music star Aaron Pritchett; and
• Degrassi: The Next Generation stars Raymond Ablack and Paula Brancati.
The collection is on display at 18Karat until Nov. 26 and can be viewed at www.uniti.ca.
