A Dundee designer who emigrated to China has launched a new charity phone case that aims to “quench a thirst, heal the sick and protect the world we live in”.
Steve Murray, 22, made the 6,000-mile move two years ago after becoming frustrated at a lack of opportunity for young designers in the UK.
The Dundee University graduate, whose family live in Barnhill, has now launched Coconut with two partners, to raise an initial $50,000 (£32,800) to assist a number of causes including HIV treatment for children and African wildlife preservation.
The phone case company, which sources its designs from around the world, has teamed up with six American charities, with each colour of case representing a different cause.
Steve said: “When you buy a case, a donation is given to the supporting charity to further their global projects.
“The donation amount is irrelevant. If you tell someone you can either quench 10 thirsts or donate an amount to a charity, the first one impacts more.”
Steve said he and his partners in the project wanted to create a meaningful brand which gives designers the opportunity to “use their creativity to make the world a better place”.
He said: “We already have the supply chain and the distribution here in China.
“What we really want to do with this brand is combine great design with charity. It’s all about giving designers exposure and raising awareness for global causes.”
Steve moved to China in 2011 after graduating in product design.
He said: “My plan was to go to America but that soon changed when the economy there crashed, so I decided to go to China. I got an email from someone I know saying there were internships there.
“Within three days I had a job in China and a month later I’d moved out there.”
However, his transition from Dundee to China got off to a shaky start after he arrived in the town of Zhuhai on a ferry from Hong Kong.
Steve said: “I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t have any bags or anything, because they check them on the ferry for you when you get off the plane.
“There was supposed to be someone meeting me but I got off the ferry and there was no one there. I was wandering about until someone shouted my name.
“The next night I went out to meet other interns and got a taxi home. I had the address written down, which turned out to be for the wrong place.
“The buildings all look exactly the same, so I went up to the right floor, walked in the door and there was a Chinese family sitting on a sofa, looking at me as if to say ‘Who the hell are you?’
“My phone also died, so I was walking about in China with no idea where to go, until I realised my flat was in the building next door.”
Steve regularly returns to Dundee and his family have visited him in his new home.
He said: “The lifestyle here is amazing. My grandpa came over and he is 80 everyone wanted to take his picture.”