YurPearls is committed to human welfare, both at home and abroad. We support rural migrant pearl-industry workers in China as well as women's empowerment initiatives in developed nations.
Improving the lives of rural pearl jewelers in China
YurPearls.com began with the goal of improving the livelihoods of people like Yan's uncle and aunt (Mr and Mrs Yu). Due to purchasing power differences of different currencies, YurPearls doesn't need to charge excessive prices for our products in order to provide Mr and Mrs Yu, their ailing parents, and their son with a decent quality of life. Over time, as we grow, we will seek out other poor migrant pearl retailers and improve their lives as well.
Improving the lives of women in Canada and other developed nations
At YurPearls, we believe in women's empowerment, because gender parity is sadly far from reality today (even in Canada, the country in which we operate). For instance, in Canada, women make only 73.5 cents on the dollar when compared to men, working identical jobs (1). This figure is only slightly better in the USA, where women make 79 cents on the dollar compared to men (2).
Striving for gender equality can have far-reaching economic benefits and social implications. A woman who is financially independent can support herself with pride. For some women, economic independence means the ability to provide for her children or the ability to leave an abusive partner.
YurPearls supports women's efforts to achieve economic independence. We donate a pair of pearl earrings to women's empowerment organizations for each product we sell, to assist them with their fundraising needs. Though it is a small gesture, we believe that our pearls, in conjunction with the resources and support provided by our partner organizations, will help women around the world realize their incredible potential.
Starting in September 2016, we've partnered with two such Canadian organizations: Making Changes Association and the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA). These two organizations work together to serve over 18,000 women in need across the city of Calgary. We are always looking for new partners to donate to, so if you know of an organization doing good work and can benefit from additional fundraising help, do contact us!
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Yan with the staff from CIWA, after donating two pairs of pearl studs.
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Yan with the staff from Making Changes Association, after donating two pairs of pearl studs and a pearl necklace.
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Social Responsibility
