RI-Based Company Is Working to Raise Tens of Thousands to Help Aid Workers in Ukraine

RI-Based Company Is Working to Raise Tens of Thousands to Help Aid Workers in Ukraine

Cranston-based Luca + Danni is a fast-growing Rhode Island success story. The business has successfully melded old-school Rhode Island jewelry manufacturing with great designs and a smart internet strategy.

Now, the company is making a strong push to provide tens of thousands of dollars of support to frontline aid workers in Ukraine.

"We're donating  50% of the proceeds from our yellow sunflower bracelet. It is one of our favorite designs and we are giving 50% of the proceeds over for the sunflower piece and our goal really is to make the biggest impact as possible and we've enjoyed having the ability to kind of play our small part in what's going on in the world," said Fred Magnanimi, the founder.

To date, Luca + Danni has raised about $35,000. He said he hopes to get to $45,000 or $50,000.

Magnanimi said, "So we took that [fundraising idea] and we ran with it -- we partnered with an agency out of Cambridge, MA called Sunflower Peace. And what I love about them is they're giving backpacks full of medical aid and humanitarian packages to front-line workers right in Ukraine so it's making an immediate impact."

"The Sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and now more than ever, they represent solidarity + strength. With the tragic events happening in our world, we are here in full support of Ukraine and believe in the power of peace. This hopeful blossom is finished with yellow and brown enamel and radiant gold-tone touches," writes the company in its effort to support the initiative.

See the Sunflower Bracelet Here and Support Ukraine

"We are donating 50% of proceeds from the Yellow Sunflower Bangle to Sunflower of Peace," adds Luca + Danni.

The company says in a message to its consumers, "Due to the current crisis in Ukraine, Sunflower of Peace started a new fundraiser to provide medical and humanitarian aid that will be used by the paramedics and doctors in the areas that are affected by the violence in Ukraine. We are acquiring and distributing first-aid backpacks, medicine, medical instruments, and other means of survival that are saving hundreds of lives. These supplies meant the world to people affected by violence when we started our first fundraiser in 2015, and they mean the world to all Ukrainians now."

Sunflower of Peace Foundation is a Boston, USA-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 47-2620675). Its mission is to support the people of Ukraine affected by the Russian military invasion and it collaborates with a global network of established organizations and institutions that are committed to helping Ukraine in this situation.