A longer run and new location translated to overwhelming support for the Ten Thousand Villages Fair Trade Sale, Nov. 20-29.
Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit fair-trade organization, partners with artisans in developing countries around the world, helping them earn an income with their handcrafted products.
The sale, which ran on Birch Avenue in 100 Mile House, raised $49,000.
“Because of our community's support and generosity, people will be able to earn an income to provide for their families,” explains organizer Laura Baerg.
“Kids will have the chance to go to school. Women will be rescued from the sex trade and have the freedom and the opportunity to earn a fair income. People will have access to basic health care, families will be fed and clean water will be provided.”
Last year, the sale in 100 Mile House ran for three days and generated close to $31,000 in sales.
Moving the Ten Thousand Villages sale to Birch Avenue and extending the sale by about a week, allowed more people to visit the downtown location.
“It was so great to be a part of Moonlight Madness [on Nov. 21],” Baerg adds.
“I am incredibly grateful to all the volunteers who made this sale possible and the many hands that played a part – the sponsors, the supporters, the volunteers and everyone who came and made a purchase that changes lives.”
Thankful for all the local community gave, Ten Thousand Villages donated coffee, chocolate, spices and tea to the 100 Mile House & District Women's Centre Society.