Lending a Hand, Sharing a Smile!

All over the globe, there is the undeniable presence of poverty and loss. Basic human rights are often violated, parents struggle to feed their families, and animals cope with reduced habitat. With so many hands outstretched in need, it’s easy to turn the other way, not seeing how to make a difference individually. However… together we really can make a difference. MayaWorks, Oomfy Corp and Bebe Ravi Collection are three of many outstanding organizations that make it their daily mission to provide answers that are sustainable, ethical, and empowering!

MayaWorks Offers Gifts that Keep on Giving

There is an old proverb that states that giving a man a fish will feed him for a day, but giving him a fishing pole will feed him for a lifetime. That is the philosophy behind MayaWorks, a company that provides a way of earning a sustainable income for the talented and impoverished women of Guatemala. These women use their incredible skill to hand craft items of breathtaking beauty and incomparable quality. With the help of MayaWorks, 150 artisans in 7 different artisan communities work with Fair Trade guidelines to bring 70% of all earnings back into their immediate communities. These women are given the opportunity to apply for micro loans, further training, and scholarships for their daughters so that they may become educated and able to compete in the ever expanding world.

MayaWorks is pleased to present a beautiful new hand crafted baby and toddler line that was developed by internationally known artist and design consultant, Mimi Robertson. Every item, from baby caps and hats, to bibs, booties, garments, and baby blankets, are created from the soft and durable yarns, using safe dyes in a variety of appealing colors and patterns.

For more information about MayaWorks, visit www.mayaworks.org

Oomfy to the Rescue!

On a social mission to help in the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned wild animals, Oomfy Corp manufactures a range of plush animals which represent real orphaned wild animals. They affectionately call the animals Oomfies, due to the sound a hungry baby animal makes; it will often nudge the hand of its caretaker and call “oomf, oomf, oomf.” Oomfy Corp offers an adorable selection of cuddly stuffed animals that are available in plush, knit and bamboo materials, as well as delightfully educational companion books that offer children the ability to explore the real stories of each Oomfy.

Proceeds from the sale of these products are used to finance the rescue, rehabilitation, and eventual release of the orphaned wild animals. Buying an Oomfy stuffed animal grants entrance to the unique story of the specific orphan sponsored by each purchase. Each animal comes with a secret code that is used online to follow a blog that chronicles the journey of each orphan. Children enjoy online adventures, and toys with secret codes for online play. Retailers and consumers alike should readily adopt the Oomfy collection for its design, educational value, and worthy cause!

For more information, visit www.oomfy.com

Bébé Ravi Supports Families in Kenya

Bébé Ravi Collections, Inc. is a mission-driven company inspired by the intense need of Kenyan orphans. Working to provide hope and a clear path forward, is native Kenyan Siamanda Chege. A retired fashion model and the mother of two girls, Siamanda is the CEO and founder of Bébé Ravi. The company offers a beautiful and unique line of hand-knit baby and children’s clothing made from the finest Italian yarns. Each item is made by local Kenyan women, offering employment in an environment that suffers from a 40% unemployment rate. Many of these women have been widowed by the AIDS epidemic, and this employment enables them to provide for their families and give back to their community.

In addition, Bébé Ravi returns a significant percentages of profits to the Patrick Chege Memorial Orphanage, built in Siamanda’s late father’s memory, which currently houses up to 20 orphans. The orphanage provides these children with shelter, food, health care, psychological and emotional care, and gives the children educational tools to improve their future.

For more information about Bébé Ravi Collections, visit www.beberavi.com

Many companies in the children’s industry support favorite charities. Let us know how you lend a hand by adding your comment.