Shopping For a Good Cause

Assuming you're not going to be able to shop for a good cause on October 28th at PHF's annual silent auction/dinner (and really, why wouldn't you be able to?) this is the next best place. There's a Ten Thousand Villages shop on Grand Ave. (I think across from the Cafe Latte building). It's a great organization by the Mennonites that practices fair trade and encourages local groups in different countries by selling their crafts in different stores around the country. Prices are reasonable, too! If you can't get to Grand Ave. in St. Paul you can go here to learn more about them, find a store near you, or order online.

One of the sad things I've realized is how many great artisans there are here in Tanzania and how very few of them are able to export things for sale. Of course, that's true for many organizations in many countries--however, if you see something for sale from Africa, it's likely to be from Kenya or South Africa. Tanzania just doesn't seem to have the connections or whatever it takes to get an opportunity to market their goods. Zanzibar and Dar have tremendous carvers and the Maasai typify Tanzania with their beadwork. You can see and purchase great items from Tanzania that will be for sale at the October fundraiser! So do it!

And, if you really are serious about not attending our fundraiser (and again, why wouldn't you--it's great fun and great food and great people and a great cause and I would appreciate testimonials from previous attendees that I can publish here!), then Ten Thousand Villages is a terrific way to support artisans in countries around the world. There's something for everyone!