"Every woman has a story. . ."

Last week on CHVN, I heard about a woman named Jessica.  She has a story.  She was inspired by Village Artisan (www.villageartisan.com), an eco-friendly fair trade company handcrafting jewelry, sari scarves, paper, soaps and oils by artisans from North India.  Jessica was so inspired that she created a t-shirt with the message "Knowledge is Power".  All proceeds from the sale of the shirts (available directly from Jessica at sales@tradefairimports.ca or at McNally Robinson in the Grant Park Mall) go to sending a Village Artisan's child in India to school for one year.  Certainly knowledge is power for these kids, but it's also power for us when we understand and support fair trade ventures.  The t-shirt campaign will continue until August - adult shirts are $25 (taxes included) and children’s are $15.

I was so excited to support this cause that I headed into Winnipeg to check things out for myself.  I ended up buying 2 t-shirts, a sari scarf and a necklace, which had this written on its tag:

". . .Every woman has a story. . .
Uniquely yours, the VA jewelry collection has been carefully designed and handcrafted to create an expression of you and your story.

By wearing this piece (as only you can!) you are also telling the story of the artisan women in North India whose hearts and dreams are carried within this piece.  Their story is one of HOPE, DIGNITY and EMPOWERMENT that comes from the opportunity to be trained at a skill and to work at a fair wage in a caring community.

Hand in hand with you for change,

The Village Artisan Family"

"Every woman has a story. . ."