Downlights, a company with a majority disability workforce, launches equity crowdfunding campaign the day Aotearoa New Zealand announces move to Alert Level 4.
Auckland-based candle company Downlights Limited launched their equity crowdfunding campaign hours before Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the move to Alert Level 4 in New Zealand.
“We certainly launched during an unprecedented time.” says founder Jennifer Del Bel.
Downlights’ candles are manufactured by young adults with Down syndrome and intellectual and learning disabilities.
“In times like these, during great economic uncertainty, people from the disability community are often the first to be affected, the first to be left off the list, the first to experience the impact of crisis. Now, more than ever, we must band together and champion inclusion, diversity, and accessibility within business.”
Downlights are aiming to raise up to $300,000 to move from their home into a factory, and increase their production and impact.
“We believe crowdfunding through PledgeMe will provide Downlights with an opportunity to bring in broad members of the community that share the same inclusive views as we do.” says Del Bel.
The equity crowdfunding campaign launched on March 23rd, and has raised 10% of it’s goal. The campaign can be found here: https://pledgeme.co.nz
