We Gain Inspiration Paying Visits to Other Stores

Stacie Ford -Bonnelle, Volunteer Coordinator for the Villages Seattle store, drove to Vancouver with her volunteers to connect and share ideas about Fair Trade and Ten Thousand Villages with Vancouver staff and volunteers.

"We toured around Vancouver visiting Commercial Dr., West Broadway and Denman St. They [the volunteers] were thrilled to see different merchandising ideas, different merchandise and really felt the passion we have here in Vancouver around Fair Trade and helping make a difference. They said that all of our stores had a very inviting feel to them and they enjoyed shopping in them - bringing back new goodies to Seattle."

Non-Profit Business

As a non-profit business, Ten Thousand Villages depends on the imagination, innovation and dedication of over a thousand Canadians.

How Many People are Involved?

Ten Thousand Villages Canada works with 121 artisan groups, providing work for more than 60,ooo people.

These producer groups are located in 33 developing countries.

Approximately 70% of the artisans are women.

What is Fair Trade?

The International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) is a global network of fair trade organizations, both buyers and producers, that work to improve the livelihoods and well-being of underprivileged people through trade.

"A trading partnership, based on DIALOGUE, TRANSPARENCY and RESPECT that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the right of marginalized producers and workers-especially in the South."

Fair Trade Prinicples

1. Producers are paid a fair wage.

2. Workplaces are safe and offer equal employment opportunities.

3. Business and farming practices are environmentally sustainable.

4. Long term relationships are maintained.

What is Ten Thousand Villages?

Ten Thousand Villages has its roots in the work begun by Edna Ruth Byler in 1946.

Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit organization that provides vital, fair income to people in Africa, Asia and Latin America by marketing thier handicrafts and telling their stories in North America.

We work with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed, providing sutainable income through fair trade. This income helps pay for food, education, health care and housing.