As a business, Cullen Jewellery is committed to creating a better world—empowering people and protecting the planet through their growing business specialising in lab-grown, ethical diamonds.
By taking on a new Sponsorship with every employee, they’ve been having a big impact on the lives of 96 children and young people—and counting—since 2020!
We spoke to Jordan about what Child Sponsorship has come to mean for him and his wife Gabbi, their employees and the business as a whole.
How long have you been a Child Sponsor?
When we began it was just my wife, Gabbi, and I each supporting a child. We were fresh out of university, starting our careers. Then in 2018, we started the business and as it grew, we began asking ourselves how can this business have a good impact on the world and share the love of Jesus—be a shining light in the darkness?
How does Sponsorship work within your business?
We wanted to do something that would grow with us—with the business—so we decided to fund a Sponsorship for every staff member. This has added value to our team too as they see that through their employment with us, they can make a difference in the world. While we fund it, all the Sponsorship content goes to their home address, and it’s up to them to write letters and be engaged.
And, are people engaged?
They absolutely are. It’s really valued that Sponsorship is part of what you get with your employment with us. There can be a common misconception that you can’t be career oriented and do good. And sometimes that’s true, career can take precedence in people’s lives. But it’s also true that you can have a positive impact on the world and work in a secular, profitable industry. We’re trying to incorporate doing good, having an impact and building your career. Our staff are all given one week of paid leave a year to volunteer, which also fosters a culture of generosity.
Why did you choose Sponsorship as the way to have an impact?
Sponsorship has a very tangible impact. People sometimes struggle to trust charities, or trust where their donations will end up. With Sponsorship, it’s very clear what your giving can achieve. It feels smart and like a good investment. As opposed to donating to a random bucket of money that could end up anywhere.
With Sponsorship, it’s very clear what your giving can achieve. It feels smart and like a good investment.
Sponsorship also aligns well with the ethical values of Cullen Jewellery. Historically there’s been a lot of injustice in the jewellery industry, but our business specialises in lab-grown, not mined stones. By supporting Baptist World Aid, we can give back to ‘communities’, including in regions that may have been negatively affected by our industry.
Has there been anything unexpected that’s come out of this partnership?
I’ve been surprised at how eager everyone has been to get on board. Lots of our staff proudly display the photo of the child they’re supporting on their desk.
If you were to encourage other businesses to consider a partnership like this, what would be your pitch?
As a business aligning ourselves with the values of our customers and employees—who both strongly believe in ethical and transparent business, and value having an impact at the same time—has been a hugely positive thing.
It fosters a culture of generosity which ultimately benefits everyone. It’s also a good retention tool and it helps people feel like they can work hard and make a difference in the lives of children in need. I think as a business, you retain good people through programs like this. There might be a higher paying job out there but when you have an opportunity to make a difference, together, that is a powerful value-add for your staff. And everyone becomes committed to the growth of the business when they see that that growth will also grow the positive impact we’re having on the lives of children and young people living in poverty.
To find out more about Cullen Jewellery, you can visit their website.
Sophia Russell,
Heather Keith,
