Fair Trade Helps People Around the World

Fair Trade is an organized social movement that focuses on exporting original goods from developing countries around the world to larger markets through fair treatment of producers. Quite often, the artisans are disabled, widowed, or ill. In many cases, income to these workers and their families is double the local average. In addition to providing individuals with the opportunity for a quality life, several Fair Trade companies donate to worldwide charities and orphanages. By purchasing Fair Trade products, consumers enjoy beautifully-crafted merchandise while making a real difference in the world!

Fair World Treasures Helps Support Artisans from India

Fair World Treasures is a non-profit organization that provides a market for Fair Trade products from India. The organization partners with artisan groups from around the country and focuses on improving artists’ working and living conditions. This collaboration allows Fair World Treasures to sell beautifully crafted and unique items.

Artists in Southern India create exquisite wooden toys and instruments for children. Individuals cut and hand-carve wood from the Hale tree, a rare type of tree found in rural forests. Each item is covered in a natural lacquer to preserve the wood and give it a beautiful sheen.

Items sold through Fair World Treasures are usually paired with the story of the artists who created the piece. For example, there is a group of women in Tamil Nadu, India who work together to create plush dolls wearing gorgeous purple and blue dresses. The group comes together for support and to foster independence among its members, many of whom are widows, have disabilities, or are HIV positive. The sale of these plush dolls contributes to their independence and quality of life.

For beautiful products and to lend your support, learn more at www.FairWorldTreasures.com

Picaflor Kids Hums on the Wings of Care

Picaflor, Spanish for “hummingbird,” is a Fair Trade company that helps communities in Peru through the sale of children’s products. “Designed for busy little wings,” Picaflor Kids offers a line of knit clothing and toys for infants through childhood.

Founder and designer Nancy Coronado is native to Peru. She began Picaflor using a small-scale production model. Nancy maintains a close relationship with a family-owned clothing maker in Peru who produces the products designed and sold by Picaflor Kids. A portion of profits are donated to charities including those that support the children of Peru.

Picaflor’s adorable collection of warm knit items brings a splash of color to winter wardrobes. Dresses, sweaters, pants, and hoodies are positively scrumptious in bold purples, blues, greens, and burnt oranges. The London Sweater Coat is a perfect layering piece for a fall afternoon with its rib knit collar and cuffs. This a-line jacket is a must-have accessory to match all the gorgeous fall dresses in the Picaflor line!

For more about this thriving business community visit www.PicaflorKids.com

Bébé Ravi Collections Delight Lives

Saimanda Chege is a retired fashion model who was born in Kenya. After a visit to her homeland in 2004, Saimanda was overcome by the poor economic and social conditions she found there. She started Bébé Ravi, which means “baby’s delight,” as a means to give back to the ailing community. The Bébé Ravi line is comprised of heavenly hand-knit and crocheted pieces made with the finest Italian spun yarn. The beautiful collection features muted gray, blue, and tan hues with a splash of red and purple.

The effort of Bébé Ravi focuses on the support of women and orphans in Kenya. Employees for the company are women in Nakuru, Kenya, a village with 40% unemployment. Most of the women employees are widows who lost their husbands to AIDS. Proceeds from the sale of Bébé Ravi products are also used to fund Patrick Chege Memorial Orphanage, founded in memory of Saimanda Chege’s father. It supports over 20 children, providing shelter, care, food, and education.

For more information about this worthy business and its products, discover www.BebeRavi.com

People Tree Helps Artisans Thrive

People Tree is a wide sweeping organization that seeks to bring beautiful fashions to large markets while having a deep impact on marginalized communities around the world. This European company maintains connections with numerous Fair Trade organizations to ensure all levels of production are improving the lives of artists and workers.

Fair Trade practices are used at every level of production, including cotton farming, the weaving and dying of cotton, and the embroidery and stitching of each garment. People Tree employs skilled artisans from India, Kenya, rural Bangladesh and Peru to create delightful, one-of-a kind products.

The Organic Kids line includes beautifully crafted blankets, tees, hats, and layette sets for baby. 100% organic cotton has delicate patterns and soft colors to create super soft and cozy clothes and wraps for babies. Kids’ products are fun and elegant with organic cotton jumpers, blazers, and cardigans. Items for boys and girls are available in infant sizes through 6 years. Each of these products is easy to wear and love.

For more information about this fantastic organization, visit www.PeopleTree.co.uk