10,000 Villages Festival Sale
St. Mark's United Church
504 Bernard Street
Saturday, October 25
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 a.m
Help End Poverty - Support Fair Trade!
Hand crafted products from around the worldFor more information call Lana at 625-4075
St. Mark's United Church Mission & Outreach Committee is making a difference in the lives of artisans around the world by selling exquisite, handcrafted gifts and home décor. The event, to be held at St. Mark's United Church, offers an opportunity for citizens of the Strait Area to make a difference by shopping fair trade. Shoppers will also learn more about skilled artisans in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In its 12th year, the sale will showcase a beautiful assortment of musical instruments, pottery, jewellery, baskets, toys, crèches and hand-loomed textiles.
Ankur Kala was started in 1982 by Annie Joseph. She was born into a well-to-do family in India and was inspired by working with Mother Theresa. Her experience at the ecumenical Taizé community in France was also foundational. Upon her return to India, she saw her country with new eyes and was appalled at the poverty around her. The cooperative’s name means “a seedling of art”. In Annie’s words, each woman who comes for training is “a small seedling with the potential to become a great tree.” The centre seeks to sow seeds of hope, dignity and self-confidence among oppressed and destitute women through economic empowerment.
Over a thousand have graduated since the centre opened. After a one-month trial period, women are put on six months probation during which they learn basic reading and writing. About 95% stay on past this period. They receive a monthly stipend along with health and education money for their children. They are then trained in four basic areas: tailoring, catering, batik crafts, and pickling and jam making. Basic business skills are also taught. Ankur Kala is committed to working with a woman until she is able to be on her own. Some graduates begin their own small-scale businesses.
The group includes Christians, Muslims and Hindus. Everyone meets for prayer and meditation each morning, reciting prayers of blessing and protection that they have composed for themselves. Every month they hold an open house, during which graduates return to have tea, talk, sing, dance and pray with the community.
“Love that is kept inside will surely fade away,” says Annie Joseph. “The only gifts we ever keep are those we give away. Our women are encouraged to think of others who are less privileged.”
Ten Thousand Villages works with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed, or underemployed. We provide vital, fair income to these Third World people by selling their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. This income helps pay for food, education, health care, and housing. Ten Thousand Villages works with over 130 different artisans groups from more than 35 countries across the globe.
“By holding this sale, we’re giving customers in Port Hawkesbury, a chance to buy unique products while helping people in developing countries to meet basic needs for themselves and
their family. Together we are making a difference,” says Lana MacLean, sale organizer.
Annie Joseph would be happy to announce that the St. Mark's United Church Mission & Outreach Committee is hosting a Ten Thousand Villages Festival Sale at St. Mark's United Church, on Saturday, October 25 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
All proceeds of the sale support artisans partnered with Ten Thousand Villages, the oldest and largest Fair Trade Organization in North America, (over 60 years). The sale owes its success to dedicated local volunteers.
