On the privilege of giving and knowing that every dollar counts

It was probably in my childhood when we were in Fiji. I remember my parents would always give to orphanages and whenever there was a cyclone or a natural disaster, they’d go out to the remote villages to help distribute food and clothing. 

I think what drives my giving now, goes back to my childhood and all my travels to India. Seeing all the suffering and poverty there with people struggling to access the basic needs of food, water and a roof overhead, that we take for granted. When I see that, I feel so grateful that I am in a position to give. And through all my travels, it has become more apparent over the years just how important it is for me to give back. 

I am in a very good position to give. I've been in the diamond business for over 20 years now and from the beginning of my business, I was very philanthropic. I would put my hand up to give to any charity that wanted a donation or an item of jewellery to help bring in more money for their fundraising efforts. I'm very privileged that I can do this through my business. 

That it’s never enough. No matter how much I have given over the years, I always feel like I haven't given enough. I don’t think there's a ceiling for the amount you can give, but it also doesn’t matter whether you give a small amount or a big amount. I think it’s all about a collective impact, because if everyone gives a little bit, then there is a lot more available to help those people in need. 

Even though I know it may not be enough, it still gives me so much self-fulfilment knowing that I've given something. I do believe that every bit counts. I feel very happy when I have made a difference to someone's life. It fills my soul with joy and happiness that I can give back to anyone who's suffering. 

I think if you’ve gone through a tough time, giving back is an opportunity to share your experience with other people which can help motivate them as well. Even if you can give back to one person, you’ve done a lot.

I don’t think it matters whether you're in Fiji, Australia or India – there will always be people who need something. While the poverty in Australia may not be as high as India, there are still issues with homelessness, domestic violence and mental health. There will be something that you can give back to. And I think if we focus more on collective giving, regardless of what mission it is, it will make a bigger impact. I think that’s important. 

For me personally, over the next year I want to direct my giving towards improving mental health. In 2019, I lost my brother who was suffering from depression. He didn't take his life, but he wasn't looking after his health and I want to support the mental health sector and any charities that are focused on men, because there’s a big stigma around men asking for help.

I think in the past, women have always been suppressed to some degree, and so for us to be coming out and sharing these stories is empowering. If it means that one woman can find her feet again, if they've gone through a hard time, I think it will make a huge impact on their life. It’s amazing that we can help each other, and I think women are one step ahead when it comes to these kinds of things.