Unique Fair Trade products made around the world will be presented in an International Fair Trade show at The Polished Pearl in Ft. Thomas, right next door to Ft. Thomas Coffee, on Friday, Sept. 25 (5-9 p.m.), and Saturday, Sept. 26, (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
“We have something for everyone”, says Nancy Caine, one of the vendors at the show. “We have beautiful baskets and purses from Central America as well as beautiful jewelry and scarves from India.” Proceeds go to support women escaping sex trafficking, children who were rescued from a garbage dump, and single mothers trying to feed their children.
Mary Nelson, another vendor at the show, lived in Kenya for a year and works with Amani Y Juu, an organization of women sewing and making jewelry as their source of income. “I have seen them craft these items by hand with pride, knowing that they are providing for their family,” Nelson said.
Village Artisan products, Bead for Life and other popular fair trade products will be available at the sale. The items provide a win-win in providing fair wages for the artisans while allowing consumers a chance to vote with their dollars to help individuals in poverty.
“Many in the world live on about $2 a day and products like these sold into first world countries change the lives of many families,” Nelson said. “Many of the women who make these products come from a sex trafficking background and this work gives them a way to get out of that and provide for their families.”
“Come enjoy some time shopping over the weekend,” Nelson said.” There is a story for each product you see.”
Facts
What: International Fair Trade Sale
Where: The Polished Pearl,118 N. Fort Thomas. Ave, Fort Thomas, Ky 41075
When: Friday, Sept. 25 (5-9 p.m.), Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.