Article: Giving Tuesday: KIMITAKE Supports The Cybersmile Foundation
Giving Tuesday: KIMITAKE Supports The Cybersmile Foundation
This Giving Tuesday, 20% of sales will be donated to Cybersmile
This Giving Tuesday, KIMITAKE is proud to support The Cybersmile Foundation and their mission to combat the impact that online problems can have on mental and physical health. Cybersmile is a multi-award-winning nonprofit organization committed to digital wellbeing and tackling all forms of bullying and abuse online. Cybersmiles’ core values of compassion, inclusion, equality and freedom align with what we hold dear at KIMITAKE. Knowing firsthand the impact that cyberbullying can cause, the team at KIMITAKE has been passionate about making this the focus of the company's charitable giving.
“It is unfortunate that bullies feel empowered behind the safety of a screen, saying harmful things that have real world consequences,” says KIMITAKE co-founder Kimio Fukutani.
“Because I have personally suffered from slander, I know how difficult it is to endure and what it can make people do. We are working to give as many people as possible the support they need to respect and save their lives.”
In 2022, Kimio became the target of ongoing online harassment by a YouTuber, which took away the jewelry design business he had dedicated his life to and pushed him to the brink of a mental breakdown. With his friend Takeshi's emotional support and help, they successfully fought back against the cyberbullying and their efforts led to the arrest and conviction of the harasser and the case gained worldwide attention.
Through this incident, the bond between Kimio and Takeshi deepened, reminding them that no one can live alone. From this realization, they co-founded KIMITAKE. The brand symbolizes "human connection,” which is why every piece of jewelry is crafted to incorporate the original HC design. This unique symbol expresses the links and bonds between people, something that KIMITAKE treasures above all else.
On Giving Tuesday, KIMITAKE will be donating 20% of sales on all fine jewelry pieces to support The Cybersmile Foundations initiatives.
About Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global movement that occurs annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 in New York as an initiative to inspire people to give back. It has since become its own non-profit. While Giving Tuesday started as an American holiday, it is now widely celebrated globally. Every Giving Tuesday, people choose to give back by donating, volunteering, or supporting impactful brands and businesses.