The new crystal snowflake ornament made by Swarovski is designed to adorn homes in time for Christmas. The initiative will also provide an opportunity to help change the lives of children and young people worldwide.
For each miniature snowflake sold, Swarovski will donate 40% to the UNICEF. The funds will provide 10 families with water containers that allow them to store water safely and save journeys to and from the water pump.
About 25 million people die from diseases caused by unsafe drinking water and a lack of water for sanitation and basic hygiene. More than half of these deaths are amongst children. The miniature snowflake ornaments will be sold as a memorable gift at Harvey Nichols, Harrods and the Swarovski Crystallized store throughout the holiday period.
The unique five meter Swarovski Crystal Snowflake made of 10,000 Crystallized – Swarovski Elements, designed by leading German lighting designer Ingo Maurer will be illuminated on the first floor balcony of the Mandarin Oriental in UK by a UNICEF representative and Nadja Swarovski on November 25, 2009. Following the illumination there will be an exclusive charity gala at the Mandarin Oriental.
Crystallized – Swarovski Elements is constructed with a two dimensional branch structure made of laser-cut round stainless steel tubes welded together with an electropolished finish. Each branch measures 2.2 meters and has 5 tips, it is lit internally by LED flashlights and the total weight is approximately 1300kg.
The event will be attended by leading designers and supporters of UNICEF, and significant funds will be raised through a live auction. The event will include a special guest performance by the English National Ballet of the Snow Queen as well as the Opera band Passionata and the traditional festive carol signers and trumpeters, plus a children’s jewellery making class using Crystallized – Swarovski Elements.
Swarovski is the luxury brand name for the range of precision-cut lead crystal glass and related products produced by Swarovski AG of Wattens, Austria.
UNICEF is the world’s leading organization working for children and their rights in more than 190 countries.
