|
Global Village Gifts supports
Fair Trade artisans around the world
A sample of gifts at Global Village.
/ Photo by Nicole Brown
By Nicole
Brown
November 25, 2008 | Since opening its doors in November
2003, Global
Village Gifts has been providing Logan customers
with a place to purchase handmade goods that benefit
families and communities around the globe.
Global Village Gifts specializes in Fair Trade goods
and offers various items from musical instruments and
candies to clothings and home decor. Originally opened
on Nov. 7, 2003. under the umbrella of Ten
Thousand Villages, one of the largest global Fair
Trade organizations, they soon chose to file as a nonprofit
store and changed their name to Global Village Gifts
in September 2005, increasing their opportunity to sell
a variety of vendors.
Fair Trade gifts and handmade items has had a growth
in popularity in the last decade with many retailers
seeing the benefit of supplying items that follow the
principle of Fair Trade. All Fair Trade goods are purchased
through a co-op program which provides the artisans
with a 50 percent upfront stipend to allow them to buy
supplies and goods. They then sell the items made through
retailers such as Ten Thousand Villages, which provide
stores throughout the U.S. and Canda with access to
Fair Trade items. The Ten Thousand Village Web site
states that with their organization, "artisan partners
thrive with the opportunity to build on traditional
skills and expand their artistic vision in the creation
of new crafts."
Although providing locals with unique handmade goods
is a benefit, volunteer Julie Barker said aiding others
through Fair Trade and educating the public is the main
focus of the store.
The store allows us to "benefit artisans by giving
them a better way to support their families," said Barker.
Through working with organizations such as Ten Thousand
Villages, the store is able to connect with artisans
throughout the globe, many of whom are women, and "hopefully
end the cycle of poverty." The organization approaches
artisans in many areas, including Asia, Africa and South
America, helping them to create better lives for themselves
and their families while "establishing long-term relationships,"
said Barker.
Because Global Village Gifts is a nonprofit store
the money from the sales go directly back to the artisan,
ensuring the artisan is treated fairly. With local support
and involvement the store has been able to help increase
awareness around Logan about the principles of Fair
Trade and the importance of it. They also have no full-time
employees, relying solely on their volunteers.
Barker said the store participates in many local programs
and events, including the upcoming Gallery Walk, and
is grateful to the local community's support and the
support of their customers.
"Our customers are our best resource," said Barker.
Global Village Gifts is at 146 N. 100 East in Logan.
Hours of operation are Thursday and Friday, noon to
6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They also have
extended hours throughout the holiday season, open daily
noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Global
Village Gifts at (435) 713-4347.
NW
MS |
