Ronkonkoma, NY—Sigma Corporation of America reported the results of the 4th Sigma Focused on the Fight charitable giving campaign. The annual initiative kicked off the academic school year with a $50,000 contribution to schools selected by participating Sigma dealers. Sigma is a leading camera and lens manufacturer for both photography and cinema applications.
Furthermore, the contributions were made through DonorsChoose. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting teachers as well as students. In addition, DonorsChoose funds educational projects that go beyond traditional school budgets.
“We strongly believe that Sigma’s ‘picture’—or actions—must match our words,” commented Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma America. “Photography, by its creative nature, promotes awareness, compassion and empathy. It is the heart of all we do as photographers. Nurturing and cultivating the next generation of creatives starts in the school. And it’s often the creative programs that are the first to fall victim to underfunding. We look forward to the impact this initiative will have on our communities now and in the years to come.”
Sigma started the Focused on the Fight charitable giving campaign in 2020 to assist in alleviating and eradicating Covid-19 aftereffects. Additionally, in 2022 its focus turned to supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Since its inception, $343,000 has been donated to charities in the United States and Ukraine. They include local charities selected by 53 Sigma participating dealers.
4th Sigma Focused on the Fight Campaign
What’s more, this year’s charitable giving program is expected to cover 90% of the U.S. states, once fully funded later this month. However, Sigma America’s long-term goal is to fund school projects in every state.
To date, Sigma dealers have donated to 68 schools and funded 70 school projects. Further, these numbers will continue to grow as more projects are funded. Participating dealers include:
- Bedford Camera & Video, numerous locations in AK, OK, MO
- F32 Photo, Knoxville, TN
- Garland Camera Repair & Photo Imaging, Garland, TX
- Glazer’s, Seattle, WA
- Hot Rod Cameras, Burbank, CA
- Houston Camera Exchange, Houston, TX
- Nuzira, Scottsdale, AZ
- Pixel Connection, Avon, OH and Nashville, TN
- PROCAM, Detroit, MI; Chicago, IL; and Cincinnati, OH
Additionally, Sigma America is grateful for and dedicated to the Long Island community that has supported its headquarters for nearly 40 years, and to the Los Angeles community that welcomed its Burbank office and showroom in 2018.
As part of this charitable giving campaign, Sigma served a total of 44 schools and funded a total of 46 projects. Those in Long Island and Los Angeles communities include:
- East Islip High School, Islip, NY, Strobe Lighting for Photography Students project
- Martin Luther King Junior Elementary, Wyandanch, NY, Strike a Pose It’s Camera Time project
- Sotomayar Arts and Science Magnet School, Los Angeles, CA, Empowering Student Filmmakers project
- Logan Academy of Global Ecology, Los Angeles, CA, Make a Statement without Saying a Word project
For the full list of funded projects and participating partners, click here.
