Paying it Forward in the North End

It is the feel-good story of the week!  Kudos to you Michel Morin - I like it!!

www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/paying-it-forward-in-north-end-208927031.html

CNN: Art Against Slavery

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Made In a Free World ~ Ghana

madeinafreeworld.com/ghana

Transformation Textiles

I wish I had known earlier about Rachel Starkey and the fact that she was speaking in Winnipeg last weekend but nonetheless, I can share her information now.  What a tremendous idea she has, and on so many levels!  She's taking what would be waste material, headed for the dump and is turning it into something that will literally change so many lives.  Check out the Winnipeg Free Press article (including a video interview at the end) and the Transformation Textile website:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/she-leads-an-underwear-revolution-for-african-girls-207035621.html

transformationtextiles.com

We Are Silent

This event happened April 18th, but I only found out about it recently.  I like the idea so I thought I would still post it - better late than never!

www.freethechildren.com/get-involved/campaigns/we-are-silent

25 Cents to Wash Blood Off Your T-Shirt

This Winnipeg Free Press article was from last week but I think there's a lot of important information in it:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/25-cents-to-wash-blood-off-your-t-shirt-206160621.html

CNN: Slavery Not Dead in France

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Uganda: Blessed are the Children

Check out this great article, pictures and video from the Winnipeg Free Press:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/fyi/Uganda-Blessed-are-the-children-206935001.html

"Together, our voices and our actions make a difference."

In light of the news that continues to come out of Bangladesh, it is fitting that World Fair Trade Day should be observed today.  I received an email from Jolica's head office and I want to share what our co-founders, Ted & Darlene Loewen, had to say:

"The recent tragedies in the garment factories in Bangladesh have been a stark reminder of why Fair Trade matters. As we celebrate World Fair Trade Day this month, we are reminded that the need for Fair Trade is real and urgent. The artisans who create Jolica's products have safe working conditions, in part because of our business partnership.

Providing safe working conditions is one of the key principles of Fair Trade. Basic safety from building construction is certainly an important part of this definition but it is only the beginning. In the Fair Trade workshops we have visited, we have been impressed with steps taken to provide safe working environments. In Nepal, Rabi's workshop is open to the outdoors, allowing for fresh air to circulate. In Thailand, Ekachai showed us his novel invention for working safely with the flame that is necessary to melt silver. In Chile, Jessica makes it a priority to create an environment that is socially and emotionally safe for everyone. In Indonesia, our artisan partner group supplies first aid kits and first aid training, as well as clean washrooms to every workshop. Hygiene is key to their healthy environment.

As we mark World Fair Trade Day with our partners around the world, we can be confident that we are helping to demonstrate that there is a viable alternative to the kind of business model that puts people at risk for the sake of profit.

Together, our voices and our actions make a difference."

CNN: Women Trafficked to Iraq

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Earth & Sky ~ Naomi Striemer

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyOTEcZ9uO4

The Most Dangerous Place in the World to be a Child

Please take the time to read this Winnipeg Free Press article even though it may be hard to do.  The eyes of the child in the picture are haunting, pleading. . .and my stomach turns.  How will God forgive us when we allow that to happen to children?  When I complain about the weather or the fact that my fast food is not fast enough or the long list of other luxuries that I feel I deserve. . .

This is not about guilt - it's about action.  Living in one of the best countries in the world requires that you and I speak up, donate, or maybe even go outside of our comfort zones so that no country earns the title "The Most Dangerous Place in the World to be a Child".

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/off-the-charts-133000-somali-children-die-in-famine-after-militant-ban-slow-aid-response-205875791.html

Looking for Ethically Made Clothing?

Looking for ethically made clothing is a challenge - trust me, I continue to try.  With the Bangladesh tragedy still in the news as the death toll rises, different articles continue to come out.  Click on the link and read the Winnipeg Free Press article:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/looking-for-ethically-made-clothes-hard-to-prove-workers-werent-harmed-making-t-shirts-205447611.html

CNN: Rescued Nepalese Find New Life in Circus

Check out this CNN article:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2013/04/30/rescued-nepalese-find-new-life-in-circus