ALEX AND ANI Commits $2 Million to UNICEF to Help Provide a Brighter Future for Children around the World

The accessories brand launches two special edition bracelets emphasizing the importance of peace and play

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Aug 15, 2016, 09:53 ET

NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to help build a more peaceful world, ALEX AND ANI, the U.S. lifestyle and accessories brand is partnering with UNICEF, the global humanitarian and development agency for children.

With a commitment to raise $2 million globally, over two years, ALEX AND ANI will help UNICEF to address children's immediate needs in the aftermath of an emergency or during conflict, and support UNICEF programs that use the transformative power of education and play to help kids heal and realize a brighter future.

ALEX AND ANI Bright Future bangle and Kindred Cord World Peace in support of UNICEF

Nearly 250 million children live in countries affected by violent, often protracted conflicts; and millions more are endangered as a result of living in areas prone to floods, earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamis and other natural disasters. Part of ALEX AND ANI's commitment will help UNICEF to provide lifesaving medicine, food, clean water, sanitation and education in emergency situations. Additionally, ALEX AND ANI is supporting peace-building initiatives, starting with developing young children's social and emotional skills.

Carolyn Rafaelian Founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer of ALEX AND ANI said, "CHARITY BY DESIGN was founded upon the goal to make a global impact by changing the way we give and through living each mission, not just monetarily supporting it—all in an effort to co-create something powerful. Working with UNICEF brings us directly to this goal. We share the commitment to build a better future for our children by providing the tools needed to overcome hardship and promote peace."

So people can proudly show their own commitment to building a better world, Rafaelian has designed two special edition bracelets:

The Bright Future bangle (RRP $28), featuring a mother and child, in silver or gold finish;
The Kindred Cord World Peace (RRP $21) in sterling silver pieces of gold, silver and rose gold featuring a peace symbol.

Both bracelets will generate a 20% donation in the U.S. towards UNICEF's work between Aug. 15, 2016 and Feb. 28, 2018, and are available at ALEX AND ANI stores, authorized retailers and www.alexandani.com.

"The number of children trapped in humanitarian crises and natural disasters around the world is sobering," said Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "We owe it to them to respond to their immediate needs and I applaud ALEX AND ANI for supporting UNICEF's lifesaving programs, as well as their commitment to early child development, in the name of ending conflict and promoting peace."

"Through this inspiring partnership with UNICEF, ALEX AND ANI and its customers are contributing to reaching Global Goal 16 – establishing peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. The way in which ALEX AND ANI is choosing to support UNICEF's work on behalf of children is both heartening and inspiring."

Notes to editors

About ALEX AND ANI
ALEX AND ANI creates meaningful, eco-conscious jewelry and accessories to positively empower and connect humanity. Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer designs each piece. Carolyn believes that every individual has their own positive energy to share with the world. By incorporating powerful symbolism and personal meaning into each product, ALEX AND ANI provides a wearable and beautiful way for consumers to express their individuality. The company is passionate about the wellbeing of our planet, our communities, and our individual paths. ALEX AND ANI uses recycled materials with eco-conscious processes. Its CHARITY BY DESIGN division has strengthened non-profit organizations through innovative partnerships and collaborative experiences, resulting in donations of more than $34 million. An Inc. 500 Company, ALEX AND ANI has retail stores as well as retail partners worldwide. ALEX AND ANI products are proudly designed and crafted in America and made with love. The company's World Headquarters is located in the greater Providence, Rhode Island area. Please visit alexandani.com for more information.

About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160815/397993

SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF