Since 2013, we proudly celebrate urban beekeeping thanks to the hives on the roof of the Birks boutique in Downtown Montreal managed by Alvéole, an organization that assists individuals and organizations with the installation and maintenance of bee colonies.
Social Responsibility
In partnership with Alvéole, the Birks for Bees campaign supports the preservation and protection of honey bees. #BIRKSFORBEES
HEALTH
Bee colonies experience global decline, due to an exposure to parasites, pesticides, viruses and environmental changes.
NUTRITION
⅓ of our food depends on bee pollination. Grains are primarily pollinated by the wind, but food like fruits, nuts, and vegetables are pollinated by bees.
ENVIRONMENT
Bees play a key role in sustaining almost 90% of wild plants by supporting biodiversity, ecosystems, and the essential balance of water, oxygen and carbon dioxide that is required for any form of life.
ONE SOLUTION:
URBAN BEEKEEPING
Urban beekeeping contributes to increasing local honey production, pollination and urban greening.
The cities’ strict anti-pesticide regulation and abundance of non-pollinated flowers make them an ideal habitat for bee colonies, which contributed to the emergence of this new trend.
THE BIRKS BEE CHIC COLLECTION™
To raise awareness, Birks created a beautiful bee-themed collection made from yellow gold, gemstones and diamonds. 10% of sales of the Birks Bee Chic silver pendant will benefit the Honey Bee Research Centre at the University of Guelph in Ontario.
CANADIAN CERTIFIED DIAMONDS
Birks has been a long-time adherent to the Kimberley Process certification scheme and required that its suppliers document the origin of the diamonds that are sourced, ensuring that Birks only works with conflict-free diamonds.
Birks is proud to have been among the first to offer bridal collections made of conflict-free sustainably mined diamonds exclusively in Canada.
Birks Canadian diamonds are traceable from mine of origin to the Birks Blue Box and are engraved with diamond identification number and come with a certificate of authenticity.
Birks is a jewellery house rich in history and whose values are a source of inspiration.
– Michael, Sales Professional
AN ETHICAL COMPANY
Birks has participated in numerous Corporate Social Responsibility campaigns to protect the ecological and cultural integrity of Canada’s Boreal Forest (2007)
Birks entered the No Dirty Gold Campaign aimed at reforming destructive mining practices
Birks exceeds Green Gold standard by sourcing most of its gold from mines that adhere to “best practices” in their mining operations
Our precious metals sourcing is ethical and environmentally responsible
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
In order to encourage our employees to get involved within the community, Birks Group is participating in the following charitable activities:
- Run for women: 5K Walk/Run or 10K Run, or 1K Run for children. The funding for this event will benefit mental health programs within Montreal General Hospital.
- The Grand défi® Pierre Lavoie: La Boucle, one-day 130 km cycling event, held in the greater Montreal area. Its mission is to encourage young people to adopt healthy life habits.
- Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure: Canada’s largest single day, volunteer-led event in the support of creating a future without breast cancer.
- Enbridge® Ride to Conquer Cancer®: A two-day cycling event spanning over 200 km throughout Quebec’s countryside. Money raised will help fund cancer research and care at the Segal Cancer Centre at the Jewish General Hospital and throughout Quebec.
SPONSORED EVENTS
Birks is titled as The Presenting Sponsor of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala as well as The Official Jewellery Sponsor of the Toronto International Film Festival. Since 1879, Birks has been helping Canadians celebrate special moments; we are honoured to be a part of these cherished events.