Whenever there is a crisis, Gems & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF) has been quick to respond and has come forward to help the needy people. This time around, during Covid 19 Pandemic, GJNRF is working with the guidance and advise of Maharashtra Govt. and BMC for the charity work in Mumbai. GJNRF has been reaching out to people who are the most affected, which include daily wage workers, migrants and hospitals with lack of equipment.

Sanjay Kothari, Chairman, GJNRF said, “The core objective with which this foundation GJNRF was formed back in 1999 was to help the needy and their families in such difficult times. Over the years, GJNRF has been generously supported by all the stakeholders of the gem and jewellery industry, and this time was no different. ‘Due to COVID-19 lockdown, the industry was on a standstill and many have been affected due to job losses, financial losses, etc.  Fortunately, with the help & support of the donors, we have been able to reach out to the needy at the right time. I would like to thank each and every member for their support. GJNRF plan to spend a good amount of money for the welfare of the artisans.”

Till today, with the support of donors, Gem & Jewellery National Relief foundation (GJNRF) have assisted people at large during this pandemic outbreak of Covid 19 which include:

• 1) Distribution of 26000 masks (including N95 wherever required), 20000 PPE gowns, 200 PPE kits, 20000 goggles, 20000 gloves, 12000 litres of sanitisers, 960 Covid testing kits, 50 Infra digital Thermometers, 50 Oxymeters to various Hospitals and zonal Police stations in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• 2) 8 Dialysis machines have been donated to Hospitals in Mumbai
• 3) Ration kits were distributed to the Ratnakalakars at Dahisar, Palanpur, Visnagar, Botad, Surendranagar and Surat catering to approximately 110000 people for a month
• 4) Meals as well as dry snacks were also distributed to 150000 migrants leaving from Bandra, Kurla, Vasai - Bhayender and Surat railway stations
• 5) Distributed ration kits/food to migrants at PEN in Raigad district.

Apart from this, GJNRF has also provided approx. 7000 meals in a few accessible areas like Zaveri Bazar, Mumbai, mainly catering to the migrant karigars from West Bengal.

GJNRF with the support of the BMC will be restructuring a wing at government hospital as a permanent structure. Talks are at an advanced stage with the Government of Maharashtra and BMC for instituting a temporary shelter cum-care centre for the COVID-19 patients to be made in Mumbai.

Further, GJNRF has plans to install latest Covid testing machine in police hospitals. They also will be supporting the Ratnakalakars by providing school/college fees and books for their children. The foundation is talking to hospitals in Saurashtra, Gujarat for providing medical facilities for Ratnakalakars and their families if required for longer period.

Taking the lead in supporting industry people and public at large shows the Humane face of gem and jewellery industry.