HANDMADE FAIR TRADE, ECO FRIENDLY, GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK!
Many of these beautiful handmade gifts from around the world are made with recycled materials because that is what they have to use. Purchases of these unique gifts, give back to artisans in third world countries that so desperately need it.
HELPING THE PEOPLE and HELPING OUR PLANET!
In 2006, I read a book that changed my life. "Left to Tell," by Immaculee Ilibagiza. Immaculee is a Rwandan genocide survivor, and her story was the spark I needed to start my quest for a better world for all. We are so blessed to live where we live, and to have what we have while so many of our global brothers and sisters live horrors beyond our imagination.
This was the start of my journey, brought on by the overwhelming need to help in some way. This is my attempt at trying to make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters globally.
FAIR TRADE HELPS PEOPLE~HELP THEMSELVES BY PROVIDING FAIR~LIVING WAGES.
SAY "NO" TO SWEATSHOPS!!
Fair Trade baskets from Darfur
Darfur Peace & Development Organization (DPDO) was founded in 2002 by a group of Darfurians in the United States. DPDO is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to a peaceful Darfur that is justly governed and developed in a sustainable manner.
The mission of DPDO is to provide humanitarian relief to victims of the genocide in Darfur, to facilitate just governance, and to enable Darfurians to effectively rebuild and develop their homeland.
Telephone Wire Baskets from South Africa
In the heart of KwaZuluNatal, the Zulu people of South Africa weave colorful and vibrant telephone wire baskets. These skilled weavers live in an area surrounding a small farm in Elandskraal and have perfected the art of telephone wire basketry. Traditionally, Zulus have woven for centuries with grass materials, but in more recent years have moved on to new and exciting mediums, including plastic bags, and of course telephone wire.
Soapstone from Kenya
The Fatrine Self Help Group soapstone artisans are located in Kenya. They produce custom made, beautiful soap stone carvings such as bowls and plates for local and export markets. They provide work for about 15 families, many widows suffering from HIV and AIDS. One goal is to eradicate poverty in the surrounding community and for each member to be able to have health insurance.
Handmade baskets from South Africa
Ilala weavers is situated at Hluhluwe within the province of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
Today, Ilala Weavers helps over 2000 Zulu people, both men and women, to attain self sufficiency, by working from their homes and therefore retaining their lifestyle and rich heritage of basket weaving and bead work which has been passed down through the generations by Zulu crafters, whose modern counterparts today produce stunning works of art, sought after the world over.
After 4 yrs the economy forced us to close the "brick and mortar" Gifts of Life~ Gifts that Give Back Fair Trade shop. "When things change, you change things," so we are working from our website, until the time is right to reopen!...
When our soapstone artisans in Kisii, Kenya lost everything in the "post election" violence the beginning of 2008, we made it our mission to help get them back on their feet.
From Gifts Of Life Fair Trade Shop, GIFTS OF LIFE CHARITIES (our 501c3 non profit) was born, to help our Kenyan families. Currently we are building the Gifts of Life Bosinange Health Center, and have programs set up to sponsor women and children's education, the Faith Project. For more info:
Gifts of Life Charities is a small non-profit, tax exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. GOLC is operating in North Conway NH, and presently working in Kenya.
You donations ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE.
