The luxury manufacturer Montblanc, known worldwide for its classic watches, jewelery, writing instruments and leather goods, has supported the UNISEF initiative to combat the illiteracy of children around the world.
Montblanc transferred an amount of AED 5.5 million (US $ 1.5 million) for education, so that all children in the world, regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status and circumstances, could learn to read and write. Montblanc launched its unique product lines specifically to support the UNISEF initiative, including the limited edition The Meisterstruck “Signature for Good” pens with sapphire and olive branch, the famous UN symbol, on the caps. From September 2009, Signature for Good collections will feature jewelry and leather goods lines, some of which will be made of blue materials that indicate this charity initiative. Interest from the sale of each such product will be transferred to UNISEF to help illiterate children so that every child has the opportunity to receive an education.
Joy Nahhas, Montblanc's regional brand manager for the Middle East, kindly agreed to answer a few questions from our correspondent.
Tell me, has Montblanc ever taken part in such charity events?
No, for the first time we released limited collections of the most famous products to support the UNISEF initiative. This is a very big and important step for us.
Has the company already donated such impressive amounts to charity?
Yes, we have already transferred funds to charity. But, I think that this amount of 1.5 million US dollars is the largest of those that Montblanc transferred to support certain international initiatives.
Does this mean that the global financial crisis has not affected Montblanc?
If the business is conducted seriously and carefully, then there is always the opportunity to withstand crises. Financial collapses happen from time to time, but the business remains.
Where does charity money come from?
In difficult times, it is especially important not to forget that someone needs your help. You can live without luxury goods, but without a piece of bread or education, it is no longer possible in the modern world. If we have the opportunity to help, we will definitely join the charity campaign. Which we did by signing a cooperation agreement with UNISEF.
Do you somehow control how UNISEF distributes funds received from Montblanc?
Yes, definitely. Our funds go only to the needs of education, as this is an international partnership between Montblanc and UNISEF. We know that our money goes to children in Africa and Asia.
Tell me what new Montblanc will offer in its branded boutiques in Dubai this fall?
We plan to expand the lines of our jewelry. Everyone knows that we have patented our own diamond cutting in the shape of a six-pointed star. This is a very complex cut, and the stones for it must be of a certain size and quality. The issue of jewelry collections is a great everyday work of a team of designers and jewelers. In September, a line of jewelry with blue stones in white and yellow gold will appear in our boutiques, which, it seems to me, is very loved by Russian customers.
Does Montblanc have many Russian fans?
Yes, we have many Russian customers around the world, including in the UAE. Usually they buy gifts in our boutiques to their relatives, friends and colleagues. We would like to have as many Russian buyers as possible. Montblanc is a classic, and people from Russia respect it.
