Artist Launches Campaign to Celebrate Canada's 150th One Penny at a Time

TORONTO, June 14, 2017 /CNW/ - When Canadian pennies went out of circulation in 2012, Canadian artist Lucya Almeida began to use pennies, especially 1967 Centennial pennies featuring the art work of artist Alex Coleville (1920-2013), in many of her jewellery designs.  When 2017 rolled around she saw an opportunity to market her Centennial penny jewellery for Canada's 150^th and wanted to do so in a way that was inclusive of the concerns of Canada's Native peoples.  She came up with the campaign called "Canadians Helping Canadians One Penny at a Time" and the hashtag #Celebratewithpurpose150 and has partnered with Growing North, a not for profit company that aims to combat food insecurity in Northern Canada.

Growing North was founded by Ryerson graduates, Stefany Nieto and Benjamin Canning in 2013.   They saw the need when they found out that 35% of families in Nunavut live in food insecurity due to harsh climates and food costs that are four times the national average.  They have partnered with other companies and have created a geodesic greenhouse that can withstand 180km winds and seven feet of snow.  They are developing ways for the greenhouse to produce year round, with a projected production of 13,000 pounds of produce per year, and working with communities to co-create a sustainable project that can continue to provide greater food security for years to come.

Ms Almeida says, "I was so impressed with these young Canadians taking on such an important issue and ambitious project that I felt moved to support them."

She has created a Gofundme campaign and is aiming to raise $15,000, 50% of which will be donated to Growing North and 50% will cover her costs.  Lucya has collected 5,000 Centennial pennies and has created all kinds of pieces, including rings, earrings, bracelets, hair pieces, pendants and cuff links.  With each donation level, people will receive a beautiful, handmade "truly Canadian keepsake" designed by Ms Almeida.     

"Canada is a wonderful country and has lots to celebrate but it also has some issues around our Native communities that can't be ignored.  Our mission at the Tima Collection is to celebrate with purpose in the spirit of healing and reconciliation.  I want to challenge other Canadian companies to celebrate with purpose and give back to those most in need."

http://www.thetimacollection.com/gofundme-penny-campaign.html 
www.growfarnorth.com

SOURCE The Tima Collection

Lucya Almeida, [phone], [email protected]