Columbia Gem House (CGH) and the Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers have partnered for the Opals for Outback Heroes Fundraiser, CGH's fifth annual online fundraising raffle. This online event featured nine jewelry pieces donated by designers participating in the MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge, sponsored by Columbia Gem House.
Explore the Designs
Every Ticket Supports the Protectors of Lightning Ridge
The stunning opals featured in this year’s jewelry come from Australia's famous Lightning Ridge — and every raffle ticket you purchase directly supports the volunteer firefighters who safeguard that very community and landscape.
The Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Service responds to bushfires, structure fires, land searches, hazard-reduction burns, and motor vehicle accidents. Despite all they do, fundraising for this fully volunteer-run brigade relies solely on small community BBQs.
This year, 100% of raffle proceeds will fund vital upgrades: refitting the meeting and training room with new tables, chairs, computers, lamps, and office supplies; acquiring a thermal imaging camera essential for detecting heat during structure fires; and, if funds allow, repainting the training space, adding a pressure cleaner for equipment maintenance, and installing lockers to properly store gear.
By supporting this fundraiser, you’re directly strengthening the brigade’s ability to train, stay safe, and continue their lifesaving work — right at the source of the opals you love.
MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge
This fundraiser runs alongside the MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge, and together they celebrate responsible sourcing and support for the jewelry supply chain. While the two projects share the same inspiration, they are separate.
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Here’s how you can take part:
(1) Vote for your favorite design in the MJSA Design Challenge
(2) Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one of the donated jewelry pieces created for this fundraiser.
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Each raffle piece was inspired by the fictional story written for the MJSA competition and brought to life with gemstones donated by Columbia Gem House.
Click below to read the story and learn more about the Design Challenge.