Information about the Charity: Gems for Gems

Information about Gems for Gems & What Your Support Provides:

We are proud to host this tournament in support of a local Calgary-based charity, Gems for Gems. Started in 2015 and registered as a national charity in 2017, Gems for Gems is the leading voice in our community for ending the cycle of domestic abuse through empowering and educating survivors.

Gems for Gems is committed to ending the cycle of domestic abuse by focusing on the economic recovery and empowerment of survivors. Their Scholarship Program, HOPE’S CRADLE, Ambassador Program and more, are solution-focused and provide high, transformational impact to survivors of abuse.

Gems is aware of the increasing need for action in the domestic abuse sector as the number of victims continues to climb. The organization is focused on scaling their current initiatives, remaining open to the community’s needs, and remaining nimble enough to continue to pivot through times of transition. They are committed to continuing to work with the community to save and enhance the lives of survivors of all ages and backgrounds. They work through action and not just talk and believe that together they will always be stronger to create the change we want to see in the world with partners and individuals in the community.

Ambassadors:

Their Ambassador Program currently has over 150 Ambassadors across Canada with a concentration in Nova Scotia and Calgary. The goal of the Ambassador Program is to spread awareness about Gems for Gems and the mission to end the cycle of domestic abuse as well as to empower others to 'Be the Change'  for themselves and our communities. Every act of kindness counts and Gems for Gems Ambassadors operate with a 'liveable commitment' to the cause. They do what they can, when they can and how they can help our organization reach our goals.

Notable Celebrity Ambassadors:

Sheila McCarthy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheila_McCarthy

Michelle Morgan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Morgan_(actress)

Olivia Stuck: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3552184/

Sofie Holland: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1552421/

Pamela Noble: Pamela Jean Noble - IMDb

Use of proceeds/Gems for Gems primary (four) programs for Survivors of abuse:

1. The Gems for Gems Scholarship Program: The goal is to offer a way to create a sustainable future for survivors, free of abuse. We provide full scholarships to trade schools ($12-15 thousand each). All graduates are independent business owners now.
2. THRIVE: The Gems for Gems Empowerment Series: (on hold since covid but operational from 2016-19)
   1. Self defense
   2. Coping Skills
   3. Resilience
   4. Financial Literacy
3. The Jewelry Drive: Gently used jewelry donated by women in the community, cleaned and gifted to women in shelters across Canada on Christmas morning.
4. Hope’s Cradle
   1. A collaborative initiative to support women in need of a safe place to surrender their baby anonymously. Each cradle costs approximately $20,000 and are being built within fire stations across Canada.

Vital differences between Gems and the industry as a whole:

1. Gems say ‘abuse’ as opposed to ‘violence’.
   1. 1. This is an intentional decision to recognize the full spectrum of abuse (violence, emotional, financial etc.)
2. Survivors as opposed to Victims.
   1. 1. (Gems believe that after leaving an abusive relationship seeing yourself as a survivor is an empowered state and a victim mindset keeps you down. Same position, different perspectives)
3. Strictly proactive and solution focused.
   1. 1. Unlike shelters and other amazing organizations who help women directly post abuse, Gems’ target area is a little further down the road when they women can start preparing and planning for the rest of their lives as opposed to being 100% in survival mode.)

 Gems for Gems Vitals:

• WEBSITE: www.gemsforgems.com
• WEBSITE FOR SWAG STORE: www.gemsforgemsswag.com
• FACEBOOK: Gems for Gems NPO
• FACEBOOK FOR SWAG: Gems for Gems Swag
• INSTAGRAM: @gemsforgemscanada
• INSTAGRAM FOR SWAG LINE: @gemsswag
• TAGLINE: “Empowering Women to Empower Themselves”
• Donation website: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/gems-for-gems-association/ )

Charitable Registration number: 795047083RR0001

Address:

Gems for Gems

PO Box 11001 Seton PO

Calgary, AB,  T3M 1Y6

Thank you for your support and we’ll see you at Cottonwood on August 10th!