WFTD 2011 Success...and Drawing and Award Winners!!!!

Fair Trade Resource Network

Today officially ends the World Fair Trade Day Celebration for 2011. It has been another successful year, with over 50,000 participants registered so far and the numbers are still rolling in, I'm certain this year will reach larger numbers than last. I will also be reporting my blog hits for the past 14 days.

soooo..THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU....for stopping by and reading my featured articles the past 14 days and extra special thanks to those who left comments during the Feature telling me about your experience or letting me know you were learning and sharing.  Thank you for all the lovely comments and for gettting me excited.  If you'll remember...14 days ago, I said, "great things could happen if Dee gets excited"..well I did and I'm about to tell you what those great things are after I share some exciting news!  

Exciting Fair Trade News: Chicago became the largest Fair Trade Town in the US and the second largest in the world this month. Way to go Chicago!! Your diligence the past two years brought you great success!! If you don't know...the US is lagging behind other countries in regards to Fair Trade awareness and sales, but we have been gaining strength over the past few years and with cities like Chicago leading the way, we will soon give the UK a run for their money, as they have lead the way in record sales and awareness of Fair Trade for years.

Yeah...I had to plug that last bit of knowledge before closing things down for the year. 

Drawing and Winners

Okay...what you've been waiting for, but not expecting until I told you right?  Well, here's where I may get a little sappy, so I apologize and intend to offend no one.  I truly truly appreciate all of the hits I 've received for this feature, and wish more had left comments to say hello and let me know who you were. If you've been following me for a while, you know that I'm passionate about a few things and Fair Trade just happens to be one of them.  I didn't announce a drawing mainly because (1) I was writing and sharing about something that I love, to support a movement that I believe in and (2)  I really wanted people to take something away from the posts and not just stop by to leave comments to win something.  I guess what I'm trying to say is the feature was more personal for me, and not about the hits or gaining followers this time. 

Sooo, for everyone who left comments since May 1 on one of my Fair Trade posts, your names were entered into a drawing tonight. Yeaaahhh you!!   Just like the Grammy's there are a couple of special categories (smile) and a general drawing.  The items I purchased from Ten Thousand Villages for this give-a-way are small in nature, but were selected with a purpose in mind...CONVERSATION.  I hope those who win tonight will display their gift from me where others will see and ask about them, giving you the opportunity to share the story of Fair Trade...so now, here we go........... 

Most Engaged

Lisa of Fishyface Designs

Lisa followed and commented through the entire series.  Her engagement and enthusiasm over learning about Fair Trade touched me in a very special way.   If you follow Lisa over at her blog, you'll soon learn for yourself that she is full of life and loves meeting new people.  I'm honored to have connected with Lisa along this journey!   Thank you Lisa!

She will be receiving a set of  Terra Cotta handcrafted elephants from Bangladesh.  These elephants were crafted by primarly female artisans who work under the name CORR.  CORR stands for Christian Organization for Relief and Rehabilitation.  Their work strives to empower rural women through handcraft production, and small job creation projects and provide job training, leaderhip skills and generates awareness of women's plight.  

Fair Trade Designer

Two names were entered into this drawing for their use of Fair Trade Beads in their jewelry and the winner is....

Linda of Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings 

Linda currently uses Kazuri Beads in her jewelry designs, which are a Fair Trade item from Kenya. Linda makes beautiful jewelry.  Please visit her blog where you learn of her creative abilities..she's always busy making something. 

The runner up for this category was Jean from Pretty Kitty Dog Moon Jewelry.  Jean is a jewelry designer, columnist and author.  She makes gorgeous jewelry and collects strange looking dolls (smile).  She also recently one the 7000 bracelets for hope bracelet. Follow Jean on her blog to find out more about this designer who also dabbles in using Fair Trade components.  Thank You ladies for your continued support!

Linda will be recieving a Dancing Girl pin.  This handcrafted pin, using discarded materals, is a long standing Fair Trade handicraft product from Kenya by a group named KICK. Residents of  Kisumu learned to make items such as the Dancing Girl through a workshop.  They were also taught to make jewelry, paper and home decor, leading to a workforce of craftspeople and artisans.  The Dancing Girl is a novel to the traditioanl kenya crafts made from wood and soapstone.  She can be worn on your lapel, backpack, purse or hat, and she'll definitely  promote conversation.  Congratulations Linda!

Lucky Ducks

All other names including Jean were entered into the Lucky Duck drawing and the winners are.....

Ma'Michele of Cooking with Ma'Michele

Kayla of The Eclectic Elements

Regina of Regina's Writings

a chef, a great blogger and a jewelry designer!!  Please visit their blogs to see what Ma'Michele is cooking up, what Kayla is up to and what beautiful new things Regina is creating.  Thank you ladies and congratulations!

The lucky ducks will be recieving Stone Paperweights handcrafted in India.  These stone paper weights bring peace, wisdom and strength. 

They were created through the TARA Project, which stands for "Trade Alternative Reform Action".  It is a program for community development and business.  It enables hundreds of artisans from North India to sell their products internationally.  It is one of the pioneering Indian organizations in the field of fair wages, non formal education programs for children and women, and health and environmental awareness.   

If all winners would please email me with your contact information, I will put your winnings in the mail this week.

Congratulations to all, thanks for stopping by and continue spreading the word about Fair Trade!!  If you're just following you can read all the articles from this series by clicking on the Fair Trade Coffee Break link on the right side of my home page. 

Unveiling until Fair Trade Coffee Break 2012,

Dee

Beads For Life - Fair Trade Series Day 11

I might be tired, but I won't go down that easy...that's right I'm back!  Tonight is day 11 of a 14 day series of blogging about Fair Trade.  As we count down to World Fair Trade Day on May 14th, the excitement is building around the country as groups, organizations and individuals prepare to share with others what Fair Trade is all about. 
Tonight I bring to you another great Fair Trade Organization called Beads For Life. 

Bead for Life eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens. Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads, and people who care open their hearts, homes and communities to buy and sell the beads. Since 2004, BeadforLife has provided sustainable income for Ugandan women and their families by selling their beautiful jewelry, handmade from recycled paper. The women are HIV+ mothers, refugees from a brutal civil war, former prostitutes and other impoverished people. Before joining BeadforLife, all of the members struggled to get by on less than $1 a day. BeadforLife acts as a ladder out of poverty, providing women not only income, but entrepreneurial training, business funding, health programs, and the chance for women to build a home of their own.

The beads thus become income, food, medicine, school fees -- and hope. It is a small miracle that enriches us all. All profits from BeadforLife are invested in community development projects that generate income and help people work their way out of poverty.

I designed a bracelet a couple of years ago, that I named "Kaleidescope of Life".  The entire bracelet was made using all Fair Trade components with the exception of the spacer beads. I made 12 bracelets and donated 50% of the proceeds back to Bead for Life. They are beautiful in color and you can wear it with anything. Each bracelet came with a pamphlet that told the story behind Beads for Life, so that the owner could share the story. Of the many things I've sold, these bracelets went like hotcakes..literally! 

Visit the Bead for Life website to find out more about what this great group is doing.  Join the Bead Circle and get updates through their newsletter and emails, meet the beaders through their videos , make a donation or host your own Bead for Life Party, and share the story..they'll tell you how to do it, step by step!   
I absolutely love what Beads for Life is doing. They truly speak the message of empowerment through their project. 
Thanks again for dropping by. After you've had the opportunity to visit the Beads for Life website, I would love to know what you think about the project. If you're already familiar with Beads for life, please share your story and how you work with this group of extraodinary women. 

Until tomorrow...Unveiling,
 

Let's Talk Shirts - Fair Trade Series Day 13!!

Yeaahhh to Blogger for getting us up and running again!! I'm sure it's been a tiring 24+ hours for this group.  In case you didn't know, Blogger was down most of yesterday and this morning; but, their tech folks were working hard to get us back up and going...so, excuse the interruption, but thank goodness we're up again!

Today is day 13 of a 14 day blogging series about Fair Trade.  Tomorrow is World Fair Trade Day and with over 10,000 people signed up for events, there will be a world of celebrating going on. I myself will be heading to Ten Thousand Villages for some ice cream sundae's, a treasure hunt and to put my markings on the Fair Trade Wall!  Tomorrow will not just be about celebrating, but mostly educating... so I challenge you, (if you haven't registered for an event) to share with at least two people tomorrow, the Fair Trade message of hope and empowerment. 

Tonight, I will pull it all together with some imaginary producers.  I got the idea from Just Shirts, a Fair Trade retailer out of Canada.  With information from their site, I was sparked with an idea that gets the message across clearly of what the Fair Trade movement does to help those in developing countries move forward. So without further ado....

Let's Talk T-Shirts 

"Well hello there!"

"My name is Runako and I am a shirt maker in my country. The shirt your wearing was made with lots of care and possibly by one of my neighbors.  The co-op group that I work for allows me health benefits, proper safety equipment and a safe working environment. I receive safety training and equitable wages and I’m allowed the opportunity to participate in the decision making process. I also receive .40 for every shirt that I produce. My co-op group works with a Fair Trade North American Importer who cares about us and our community. All of my children are able to go to school and eat healthy meals. We have a total partnership with complete transparency. 

With the help of my co-op and educational opportunities, myself and several others in my village will be starting our own co-op next year, closer to our home.  I'm very excited and appreciative of all that I've learned.  Becoming a partner in my own business, will allow me to do even more for my family, better our living arrangements and continue education for our children. 

I hope you enjoy your product and we thank you for your business and continued support. "

Hi,

I would tell you my name, but it probably wouldn’t matter. I am a shirt maker in my country, but I really have no idea if the shirt you’re wearing is one that was made in my production sweat shop,or another or even in my country to be honest. I really don’t enjoy my job, but I have no other opportunities. Here we don’t get benefits and the work space is cramped with poor ventilation. Sometimes I am the victim of Harassment from the supervisors. I’ve been working here for 7 years, but I have no voice or input into anything. Wages are poor; and, I only make .10 per shirt that I produce, so I’m guessing the American Importer and the production facility makes most of the profit. I barely make enough to support my family and my children have no education.

I have to go now my boss is coming.

Fair Trade Makes a Difference!

Visit tomorrow when I'll share with you photos from Ten Thousand Villages, until then.....

Unveiling,

Are You Ready for Your Coffee Break May 14th? - Fair Trade Series Day 9

WOW! 8 days have already gone by since I started sharing with you what all the excitement is about Fair Trade.  I took a tiny break yesterday to celebrate Mother's Day, but I'm back in week 2 with more great information! 

As May 14th (Fair Trade Day) approaches, groups, organizations and individuals are preparing for big celebrations this Saturday and today I'm going to share with you, how you can participate as big or as small as you like, simply by sharing what you've learned through this series or what you already know. 

FTN Poster

As of today, according to the Fair Trade Resource Network, 10,0000 participants have registered Coffee Break Events for May 13-14th.  Some of the events include coffee breaks, fashion shows, food tastings, music concerts, talks and many other creative ideas. 

FTNstickers

So, how can YOU participate?  It doesn't have to be anything as big as the above, but the entire event should be about sharing.  Try brunch or tea with some friends Saturday morning,  Girls Night Out with a Movie (Featuring Fair Trade of Course),  have an information booth at your Church, at work or your childs school, blog about it, post on FB or Twitter all day about it, the possibilities are endless..the main point behind May 14th  is to create awareness. 

If you're seriously thinking about having an event (big or small) visit the Fair Trade Resource Network and register before this Saturday, then visit their resource page and download all types of information, videos and posters to print out and to share at your event.  If you're quick, you may have time to sign up for some free samples or coupons before Saturday.  And most importantly come back and and LET ME KNOW!! 

My small part is of course this 14 day series.  I've also been sharing at work.  I've created a poster "Fair Trade Coffee Break" and I'll be sitting out more goodies this week, with information pages about Fair Trade.  The chocolate last week was a big hit..it's all gone!  I won't be holding an event on Saturday, but I have ALL intentions of being at my local Ten Thousand Villages for an ice cream sundae, a Treasure Hunt, and to sign the Fair Trade wall! ....Can't wait. 

If you're just getting here and need to catch up, below are links from last weeks posts:
Day 1 - Wake Up The World - Fair Trade Awareness
Day 2 - Fair Traeducation #101
Day 3 - Ten Thousand Villages vs. One Sappy Mom
Day 4 - What Items Are Available As Fair Trade
Day 5 - Santiago Rivera Tells His Story
Day 6 - Beads That Change Lives
Day 7 - Care To Know What I'm Reading

Don't forget to come back tomorrow...we have 5 more days to hang out together, crazy things could happen between now and Saturday, as I'm dreaming Fair Trade these days.  Thanks for deciding to come back...I appreciate all of you!!

Unveiling in dreams and coffe breaks,

Santiago Rivera Tells His Story -Fair Trade Featured Series Day 5

Today is day five of a 14 day series on Fair Trade, leading up to Fair Trade Day on May 14th. For yesterday's post click the link: What Items Are Available as Fair Trade .



Today, let's watch a video.  Here, a coffee farmer in Nicaragua tells of how he switched to Fair Trading and why. The video does a great job of showing what a difference Fair Trade makes in the lives of producers and how it empowers. It also takes you through a day in the life of what it's like to produce coffee  (video is 6 minutes from YouTube). Click the link below:

Santiago Rivera's Story  

Once you've had the chance to listen to Santiago's story, please stop back by and leave your comments. I'm enjoying your comments, and excited that those who are following are getting so much out of it!

Tomorrow we'll do the Top 10 Countdown of reasons why you should by Fair Trade. It won't be as exciting as David Letterman, but it will give you something to think about. 

Unveiling in video,
Dee

What Items Are Available as Fair Trade - Featured Series Day 4

Today is day four of a 14 day series on Fair Trade, leading up to Fair Trade Day on May 14th. For yesterday's post, Ten Thousand Villages vs. One Sappy Mom  click here. 

If there's one thing I've learned from facilitating leadership classes, it's that even adults need a break.  Why should anything be different here? I wouldn't be a good teacher if I didn't allow a break for some fun, so tonight we will allow our eyes and senses do all the work, as I share with you some of the different types of fair trade items around the world. 

Art Art Art...definitely an abudance and available all over the web.  

 A cute little conversation piece from Ten Thousand Villages.  Can you tell what it's made from?

 Artisan vases found at my local Ten Thousand Villages

 My nephew fell in love with this set..hand carved from guess where??

More wall candy, you name it... it's made to hang.  

Kazuri beads from Kenya. I use these often in my jewelry..absolutely love them. Made from clay near the base of Mt. Kenya.  

Hill Tribe fine silver from Thailand. I use a LOT of this in my jewelry, and will continue to purchase as soon as the silver  prices drop...ggeeez

Baili Silver Beads  from Indonesia (source kkgems and beads)

Another favorite jewelry component I use a LOT of.



Coffee (source Green Mountain Coffee)



That's right....you saw it here...Ben and Jerry's!! (see the label on the left of the carton)



Organic Sweetners (source Wholesome Sweetners)



Clothing (source Indigenous Designs)



Chocolate (source: Global Exchange Store)

Most Fair Trade chocolate I've had is very very rich...real stuff guys!



(source: Dr. Bronners Magic)

Soaps, cleansers, lotions, shampoos and all other things to make you beautiful.

Fruit (source: Fair Trade USA.org)

So, now you've seen only a smidgen of what's out there, but as you can see..there are many many different items available as Fair Trade.  Here in the United States, coffee is the biggest seller, and I'm proud to say that I'm a contributor to that statistical data. 

Hopefully you found something that you already use, that you'd like to try as a Fair Trade item or something new would be cool too!   The links in this post are just a sampling of where you can find many different versions of the above...except maybe the Ten Thousand Villages items, which may be specific to them.  I would recommend starting with the below links to begin your search for retailers who sell Fair Trade Items world wide, have fun and enjoy the goodies.  If you have a Whole Foods or Trader Joe's in your town, those are must stops for perishable items to try quickly. 

okay...now is the time to share which items you already use or plan to give a try. My first stop this weekend is Ben and Jerry's..how about you?

Fair Trade Resources for retailers:
Fair Trade Resource Network
Fair Trade Federation
World Fair Trade Organization

Ten Thousand Villages vs. One Sappy Mom - Featured Series Day 3



© Tatiana Morozova Dreamstime.com

 Today is day three of a 14 day series on Fair Trade, leading up to Fair Trade Day on May 14th. For yesterday's post, Fair Tradeducation 101, please click here.

Today, I’m going to share with you, through a personal story, one other reason why I choose to purchase Fair Trade products - The Stories.

Because of the nature of the Fair Trade concept, there is typically a story behind the artists or farmers who produce these items. While you may never meet these individuals, you’ll always be able to tell someone else about their story, their village or the positive change your purchase made for them, their family or their village.

I shared this particular story a couple of years ago here, but it’s one that I just enjoy telling again and again:

The Story

One of my favorite places to shop during the holiday is Ten Thousand Villages, a Fair Trade retailer founded in 1946 with stores in the United States and across Canada. All Ten Thousand Villages stores are non-profit and are mostly staffed by volunteers.  

$98.00 Singing Bowl from Ten Thousand Villages

Three Christmas’s ago, while shopping with my son in Carytown (you've heard that before), we made our usual holiday stop in, to see what unique gifts we could find. While I was off looking at the music in the CD section, my son and one of the sales ladies working were plotting over in the musical instrument section, working out a game plan, unbeknown to me at the time. After several minutes had passed, he comes to me and asks me to come over to where his accomplice was waiting....I mean, where they were. He begins to show and demonstrate to me this big metal bowl that hums. I could tell by the look on his face that he just had to have it. He was in awe for some reason at the sound and an apparent sensation he was getting. It was Christmas, so I decided to ask the sales lady for the price.  At the tune of $98.00, I quickly said to my son, “not today buddy”, and suggested that he save some of his own allowance and return to purchase it later.

$48 Singing Bowl from Ten Thousand Villages

They weren’t ready to hear that; nor, were they ready to give up that easy. The wonderful sales lady (who turned out to be a volunteer) was on her job that day, because this is when she began her tugging at my heart. She started with the following…”These bowls are called singing bowls. They are solid brass and handmade in Tibet, used for meditation and sometimes prayer. Because they are handmade, each bowl has a different sound.” She then begins to demonstrate this, and hands another bowl to my son and continues…”this one, only cost $48.00” (remember... they had a head start on their game plan). She then gives me the larger bowl ($98), and continues…”Now if you hold this flat in your hand, and rub the wooden dowel around the outside of the bowl, the humming will start, and you’ll feel a warm vibration going up your arm, and into your chest”. Guess what? - I DID!!!

I tell you, it was a really weird feeling…I felt relaxed and at peace – EXACTLY where they wanted me!! This lady was good, and what she probably really wanted to say me to me was….”you’ll feel a warm vibration going up your arm and into your SAPPY heart!” But guess what? She’s not even finished with me yet…she tops it off with the following: “As you know, Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit organization and the proceeds from the sale of these bowls, go back to an organization named New Sadle, where they offer FREE medical care to ARTISANS…(that would be the bowl makers folks)…in Tibet who suffer with LEPROSY!”

Need I say more? Okay, I will…we now have two $48.00 bowls downstairs in our living room, where my son has told the Leprosy story behind the bowl and has performed many demonstrations for guest who have stopped by. The second one was a surprise Christmas gift from me to my son, after he DROPPED..YES DROPPED the first one on cement the SAME day we purchased it! (word of caution: singing bowls don’t sing with a crack)– If you had seen his puppy dog eyes that day, you would have done the same thing!

My Story

Before you leave today, please share your comments on Fair Trade.  If you have a story I'd love to hear about that too.

Visit Ten Thousand Villages online or in your neighborhood and purchase your own Fair Trade Art, and tell someone the story, then come back tomorrow when we'll explore some of the different Fair Trade items around the world. 

Ten Thousand Villages
3201 W. Cary Street
Richmond, Virginia (Carytown)
Upcoming Events:

May 14, 2011 - Fair Trade Day
- Fair Trade Scavenger Hunt
- Fair Trade Memory Wall
- Fair Trade Sundaes

June 4, 2011
- Fair Trade Fashion Show

Unveiling one village at a time,

Fair Tradeducation #101- Featured Series Day 2

FTR Booklet 

Today is day two of a 14 day series on Fair Trade, leading up to Fair Trade Day on May 14th. Hopefully, by now if you don’t already know what Fair Trade is, I’ve peaked your interest. If you do already know about Fair Trade, hopefully you’ll learn something new and get excited all over again.

Welcome to my version of  Fair Tradeducation 101, a one day, drive by lesson  on Fair Trade. Please turn off all cell phones and pagers, pull out your pen and paper, and take some short hand notes and please don’t forget to leave your comments as you leave class today and remember to click a link or two for some brain food.

 Don’t run away just yet, I promise not to bore you today with a lecture on the background and history of Fair Trade. There are way too many websites out here that have done all of that hard work. With my lack of time, I have no intentions of recreating the wheel. I’ll only provide the subliminal messages, and links to the well written details you need to know, and leave the in-depth research up to you...so, shall we begin? 

What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is based on economic principles and social justice. I’m not pointing any fingers here, but it should already be obvious that it’s not your traditional commercial trading. Fair Trade improves the lives of millions of disadvantaged artisans and farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America, by providing opportunities to trade and develop partnerships with developing countries. This partnership helps them to improve the lives of their families and living conditions, as well as build their businesses.

How do I know if an item is a Fair Trade Product?

photo from Fair Trade USA.org

The best way to recognize if an item is fairly traded is to look for a Fair Trade Label.  There are several FT certifiying and promoting organizations in the world, but only a few big players. Click this link to find a list of Fair Trade organizations by country and type. Then visit their websites to become familiar with their labels. 

What is a Fair Trade Organization?

A Fair Trade Organization is “a big dog“…they watch over manufacturers, producing communities and organizations to ensure that they are following guidelines specific to Fair Trading to ensure economic principles and social justice. Below is an example from the World Fair Trade Organization on a few principles that they hold their members to for producers (workers/artists).  The above link will also take you to a page where you can search for FT products or organizations who are 100% committed to the principles of Fair Trade. 

1. Gender equity - Women and Men are paid equitably for equal work. Fair traders recognize the value of the work women perform as producers and as leaders.

2. Healthy working conditions - Fair Trade means a safe and healthy working environment. Any children who participate in Fair Trade production are assured security, education, well-being and recreational requirements in accordance with the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child.

3. Transparency and Accountability - From managers and commercial relations to prevent easy manipulation. Some are subject to external verification, audits and frequent self-assessments.



Necklace created by Runako Designs using
Fair Trade beads

4. Investment in Producers -There is a commitment to producers to develop independence through long term relationships. An example would be the Tsunami in China. For commercial importers it is sometimes easier for them to just shift suppliers during this time. Fair Traders help their producer partners survive natural disasters and wars and when possible, and resume production and shipping.

5. Favorable Terms - Most Fair Traders extend several months of working capital to their producer on favorable terms in advance of receiving product; whereas, most commercial trading terms carry a 60 to 90 day wait for payment. These favorable terms of Fair Trader partners - typically 50%, allow producers to ensure material costs are covered and assists in preventing hardship, should items fail to sell. This favorable terms encourages producers to produce only quality products for their partners.

These are just a sampling of the economic principles that Fair Traders are held to. Most organizations follow  similar guidelines with few differences. Visit WFTO for a complete list of their principles and participating organizations.

Well….that’s my drive by education for today. That should be plenty to get you excited about spreading the word and doing more research on Fair Trade.

Tomorrow I’ll share with you a story about my favorite Fair Trade retailer in my own hometown and what great events they have coming up for Fair Trade Day…you won’t want to miss.

Until then, take a look around the following websites, they are loaded with great information.   Then skip over to Autonomie Project, where they are holding a Fair Trade Tee Design Contest. If you have skills and want to see if you can design a winning tee, you have 6 more days for your chance at stardom!

Resource links for your pleasure:
Word Fair Trade Organization
Fair Trade Resource Network
Fair Trade USA
Fair Trade Federation
World Fair Trade Day (official Site)

Unveiling and teaching,

7,000 Bracelets for Hope...One At a Time

Tonight I'm working on my bracelet contribution for 7,000 bracelets for hope.  Global Genes Project, a children's rare disease campaign is rallying volunteer support from the arts community and anyone crafty enough to contribute, to help raise awareness for children with rare diseases.  There are over 7,000 rare diseases that have been identified, all with issues of their own. They are collecting bracelets that will be sent to families living with rare diseases this Christmas (2011).

I've joined up with Lori Anderson again in another blog hop to help support this great cause. Visit me on Saturday, April 16th, when I will reveal my contribution along with 112 other bloggers before mailing them off.  I'll also be offering visitors to my blog on Saturday an opportunity to win another special bracelet, so don't miss it!

If you want to learn more about the Global Genes Project and Bracelets for Hope, and how you can contribute, visit their website here.   Then make sure you drop by on Saturday to learn more about this great campaign and see all the beautiful "blue" projects!

Unveiling and making Positive Changes,

Changing Lives - Team Runako Kiva Update

We've done it again - Loans are being repaid and we've been able to sponsor our 13th loan!  Those who know me, also know how excited I am about posting updates about Kiva Loans!  If you'd like to learn more about other loans we've sponsored, please click on the Kiva link to the left of this page to see what all my excitement is about. 

Loan Updates

Team Runako has nine (9) loans repaid in full,  1 repaid 20% and 1 repaid 47%, the 12th loan was from one of our members. Our default percentage has been zero.  Of the last two loans made a few months ago, the group from the Dominican Republic has already repaid 47% back.  These numbers in my opinion say so much for these ambitious entreprenuers...and I'm totally excited about what they've been doing.  One of the great things about Kiva, is they provide lenders with updates on the recipients and how their businesses are coming along, making the total experience so worthwhile and personal.   Next up...

What's New?    

Meet Flordeliza Penserga of the Phillipines

Flordeliza is a 50 year old widow from the Phillipines.  She supports her family with three businesses ventures - fishing, fish vending and manicure and pedicure services.  She wanted something better for her family and has had 4 other loans in the past that have slowly helped her and her family lift themselves out of poverty. By the sweat of her brow, her first loan allowed her to improve the standard of living for her family and this loan will help her to purchase new fishing gear and equipment.   

THAT my friends is what Kiva is all about and THAT is why I lend.  It's not about giving to help with a need, it's about giving to help someone learn to help themselves.  Giving through Kiva enables others to learn a new skill or build their business, allowing them to better themselves and their family and alleviate poverty.  

Another great thing about lending through Kiva is that you can cheer for the success of your entrepreneurs. You can form lending teams and cheer together. Team Runako is one of many teams on Kiva.org that you can join. And I would welcome your partnership in helping alleviate poverty all over the world. If you are already a lender through Kiva, please consider joining up with our team, not only will your lending dollars go towards your individual giving, but it will also go towards our team goal. If you're considering lending with Kiva, also consider joining our team when you sign up for your account. After you join, grab our badge to the right and post it proudly on your site or blog.

Unveiling and lifting others,

Who Could Forget an Angel?

Every year for as long as I can remember, my office has participated in the Salvation Army's Christmas Angel Program.  For those of you who are not familiar with the campaign, it was created to provide toys and clothese to children who are less fortunate or who's families have a financial need.  You can typically find an Angel Tree located in most malls. Once a person makes the decision to sponsor an Angel, he/she selects a paper angel from the tree that lists the childs sex, age and wish list, to include shoes and clothes (with sizes) and a few toys.  The angel is registered with an attendant, then returned at a later time or date to the tree location, with unwrapped gifts.  Recipients pick up their gifts from a designated Salvation Army pick up location before the holiday.  

This year, we decided to do something different. Instead of adopting an Angel Tree, we registered for the Forgotten Angel Campaign.  Apparently, every year for whatever reasons, people with good intentions (I'm thinking positive), will select angels from the trees, but forget (thinking positive again) to bring back gifts.  Families show up at the pick up site to pick up their presents, only to find that their gifts are not there. I can only imagine the disappointment of the children and families who were really counting on that extra support for the holidays. 

By participating in the Forgotten Angel Campaign, you can donate what is considered extra toys, clothes and gifts for children and the elderly.  When it is discovered that Angels have been forgotten, the pick up center is able to put together a package with the Forgotten Angel gifts on the spot!..How cool is that?!  Our focus this year was on toys.  For a first campaign at the last minute, I think we did a pretty good job. 

It's probably too late to pick up an Angel, but there's is still plenty of time to "Give" before the holiday, whether it be your time, or something tangible.  Below are a few suggestions if it's in your heart this season:

1.  Volunteer to host a red kettle with your Salvation Army, by ringing the bell for a couple of hours
2.  Sponsor a few care packages at a local nursing home.  Check with the Administrator to find out what their needs are
3.  Volunteer with Meals on Wheels and help deliver meals this Season
4.  Adopt a family in need through a local Charity and provide a meal for Christmas Day
5.  Do something nice for 12 diferent people each of the 12 days leading up to Christmas

These are just a few ideas to get you started.  I'm sure there are plenty more opportunities in your local areas.  Take the time this season to do something special for someone else. 

Unveiling my wings,

Best of Bead Award - Kazuri Contest!!

My passions run deep when it comes to helping and giving back, and many of you already know that.  You also know that one of my favorite beads to work with among so many other choices are the Kazuri beads from Kenya.  Not only does my purchase of these beads help so many women and a few men, but they are just gorgeous beads.  The color choices and designs that these women create represent all the beautiful colors of Africa and more!  Anything that's about changing lives and empowering others to make their dreams come true, I find hard to resist.  

Kazuri is looking for designs to add to their 2010 line and is holding their first Best of Bead Award.  They are looking for new design ideas for their  Pita Pat beads. The Pita Pat bead is one of their most popular selling beads, and even I would be honored to come up with a design that would circulate the world...wow..big thought eh? (Pita Pat earrings to the right)  So, what do you need to do?  

Visit the Jambo Newsletter here at Turtle Neck Jewelry for complete details on the contest. (scroll down to last article)  There is a $100 gift certificate award for the winner towards your next Kazuri purchase and like I said above, your design will be seen all over the world...literally!  

So, what are you waiting for?  Click here for complete details on the contest. Deadline for entries is April 30th. 

Feel free to spread the word, lets do our part to keep the Kazuri designs fresh and exciting!  If you blog about this entry, or post the link on Facebook, let me know and I'll put your name into a drawing for a pair of Pita Pat earrings. Drawing to be held April 30th! 

Unveiling and drawing,
Dee