Morris Gad: Dedicated Philanthropist

President andCEO of Diamonds International, Morris Gad, is dedicated to sharing his good fortune. One of the ways in which he achieves this goal is by supporting the communities in which his company does business.

A Brief Company History

Diamonds International began as a wholesale company. With the idea to make diamonds more accessible to everyone, Mr. Gad decided to focus the company on the retail sector. The first Diamonds International store opened on the island of St. Thomas in 1987.

Today, the company has grown to over 140 stores located throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. In fact, Diamonds International is now the largest jewelry retailer in those areas.  The company is also the largest global buyer of the precious gem tanzanite.

The people at Diamonds International are thrilled to have the opportunity to make people happy. There is nothing like witnessing the joy that crosses the face of individuals who receive a special piece of jewelry.

Customers purchase jewelry to mark an anniversary or celebrate a birthday. An engagement and wedding are made even more special when accompanied by the perfect rings. Special occasions almost always call for jewelry.

As thanks for the opportunity to share in these wonderful occasions, Diamonds International has taken a “pay it forward” approach. They pass the goodwill they receive on to those who are less fortunate.

Tanzanite & Textbooks

Tanzanite is a rare gem is found only near thefoothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in the eastern African nation of Tanzania. Diamonds International purchases up to 70 percent of its tanzanite from this country. The company markets its tanzanite jewelry under the Safi Kilima line.

In an effort to create job opportunities for local citizens, Morris Gad has invested millions of dollars in the African nation’s tanzanite industry. In addition to mining the stones, Diamonds International polishes its gems in Tanzania. This creates more employment opportunities and is unique to only but a handful of companies.

On a recent business trip to the region, Mr. Gad donated $10,000 to two primary schools. The institutions needed the funds to purchase new textbooks for student. A known philanthropist, Mr. Gad plans to provide more educational resources to schools in the future.

Charitable Eye Care Mission

In addition to efforts to support job development and education, Diamonds International also funds the

Charitable Eye Care Missionin Arusha, Tanzania. Once a year, free eye care examinations and related care is available at no charge. Thousands of Mererani citizens take advantage of this wonderful service.

The company provides this service through its sister company Tanzanite International.  In addition, the mining division known as Tanzanite One built a school to educate primary school students in the region.

Naisinyai Primary School educates children ages five through 11 years.

More Charitable Work in Africa:Baby Haven

Diamonds International works with its sister company ALMOD Namibia to support Baby Haven. This program began in response to a report about the increasing numbers of abandoned babies across Africa. Upon learning of their HIV positive status when they entered hospitals to give birth, infected mothers simply left their infants at those facilities. Sadly, even more babies were left in public places, fields and trash receptacles.

Baby Haven is an organization that supports the orphans of Africa.  Children diagnosed with HIV can make their homes at Baby Haven locations. The Namibia branch is able to house young people up to age 15. Diamonds International is proud to support this organization as it attempts to deal with a problem rampant across African nations like Namibia.

Morris Gad on More Corporate Initiatives

Journey to a Cure

Diamonds International designed a beautiful rose gold and diamond pendent to support breast cancer research and treatment. Titled “Journey to a Cure,” the piece of jewelry was created in memory of a member close to the Diamond International Family. A sister to Irene Panoff, Linie Hilderink, succumbed to the disease when she was only 35 years of age.

Portions of the sale from each pendant are donated to two institutions at the forefront of the fight against breast cancer. They include the Jackson Memorial Foundation and the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together with its customers, the company believes it can make a difference to eradicate this disease.

Saving Tiny Hearts Society

The company is involved in a second medical initiative known as the Saving Tiny Hearts Society. This organization supports research into congenital heart defects. These conditions affect one in 125 infants born in the United States. As such, congenital heart issues are the most prevalent birth defect that affects the nation.

This organization is unique in that all donations go toward the support of research into congenital heart defects. The group is run by volunteers and has no paid employees. Funds provided by the Board of Directors cover the operating costs. Diamonds International is proud to provide money that will hopefully lead to a better understanding and cure for this all too common birth defect.

Diamonds International supports smaller programs in a number of areas across the Caribbean. Its store employees play an instrumental role in selecting the organizations the company supports. Over the years, the company has donated funds to the following programs:

Antigua: JCI International, Rotary Club, Junior Achievement, Local Police

Bahamas: Great Commissions Ministry for the Poor, National Emergency Management Agency

Barbados: Substance Abuse Foundation, Rotary Club

Cancun: The Envy Event for Casa-Hogar Esperanza

Cozumel: DIF Cozumel, Red Cross, Angel Foundation, Local Firefighters

Grand Cayman: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Foster Home of Cayman Island

St. Lucia: Holy Family Children’s Home, Victoria Hospital Toy Drive

Morris Gad of Diamonds International strives to improve the communities of the world one charitable gift at a time. The company supports a number of efforts that benefit the people of the Caribbean and Mexico where the majority of their stores are located. It also encourages employees to dedicate their time to these organizations. A true leader and generous philanthropist, Morris Gad dedicates a number of company resources to further charitable initiatives across the globe.