Chopard and Petra Nemcova’s foundation join forces to help rebuild schools and lives of children after undergone natural disasters

The encounter of two big-hearted women

Caroline Scheufele and Petra Nemcova met at the Cannes Film Festival. After the top model shared her story – she was badly injured during the tsunami that destroyed Eastern Asia in 2004 – and explained the mission of her foundation, Chopard’s co-president was deeply touched and immediately said “Let’s create a bracelet in support of your charity.” She then designed within the iconic Happy Hearts collection a bangle which is not only stunning but also incredibly meaningful. Crafted in 18ct rose gold, this special edition bangle, which can be purchased in all Chopard Boutiques internationally, features a red heart as well as a heart with a moving diamond. Part of the benefits will go towards the rebuilding of schools, thereby making those who wear it twice as happy.

Little bracelets do great things

Since 2015, this red heart bracelet has supported the rebuilding of three schools, turning children’s dreams into reality. The three schools – Prithvi (Nepal), Al Furqon (Indonesia) and Villa Magisterial (Peru) – have been rebuilt in such a way, that they are less prone to disasters. In the hopes of children going back to school, recovering from the trauma, learning, and feel safe. Thanks to these powerful Chopard bangles, more than 695 students have a brighter future as well as future generations to come.

All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response

In 2005, Petra Nemcova founded her charity, Happy Hearts Fund, with a mission to rebuild safe, resilient schools in areas impacted by natural disasters. Since its inception, Petra Nemcova has been involved on a daily basis. Her initial work in an executive capacity has helped establish the structure, vision, and strategy that positioned Happy Hearts Fund for long-term success. She has been the key motivation and drive behind the cause of rebuilding schools for children who tend to be forgotten after natural disasters due to lack of sustained response. Her self-understanding of the power of Mother Nature helps her connect with those in need of aid, empowerment, and hope after their lives have been shattered, as she was fortunate to survive, after having endured an almost fatal experience in the 2004 tsunami. “We can’t control nature, but we can control the actions we take”, adds Petra Nemcova.

In the fall of 2017, Happy Hearts Fund merged with All Hands Volunteers to create All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response in order to efficiently and effectively address the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters. All Hands and Hearts reach early and leave late to rebuild schools and homes in a disaster-resilient way.

Globally, the charity has rebuilt 206 disaster-resilient schools, serving over 105,000 children in 11 countries.

Chopard, the big-hearted Maison

Chopard, the big-hearted Maison, has always regarded self-giving and generosity as its core values. “When you’re lucky enough to lead a charmed life, it is only right to help those for whom life is a trial”: Caroline Scheufele has fully understood that Chopard’s role, as a family Maison passed on from generation to generation, should not be confined to selling exceptional creations of watches and jewellery – but that its duty also lies in dedicating the family success and corporate influence to serving philanthropic commitments.

Caroline Scheufele continues to share her care with others and as a result, two more Happy Hearts bangles are devoted to supporting important causes. The first bracelet has a circle featuring a “Educate a Child” charm in rose and white gold and is supporting Education Above All, set up by Her Highness Skeikha Moza bint Nasser. Its focus is to sustainably improve human, social and economic conditions worldwide through education. The second bracelet features pink mother-of-pearl and is dedicated to supporting the Naked Heart Foundation, established by supermodel Natalia Vodianova and aiming to ensure that every child in Russia has a loving family and a safe and stimulating place to play.

Quotes

“We started with the goal of rebuilding one school. My friend and I handled everything, speaking to contractors, creating brochures, setting up fundraisers and everything in between. When the first school was built, it felt like an incredible dream come true. I could never have imagined that by fall 2017 we would have rebuilt 171 schools in 10 countries around the world. This was only possible because of incredible care and love from so many individuals, community members, teachers, corporate partners, individual donors and many, many others.”  Petra Nemcova

“We are so happy to partner with Caroline and Chopard as it allows us to rebuild more schools for children whose lives have been forever altered by natural disasters and who are often forgotten for many years after first responders leave, thus helping us to ensure that generations are not lost because of the lack of educational opportunities.”  Petra Nemcova