For Those in My Local Area (or not)

Many of you know try to support *fair trade* industries as much as possible, especially those tied into specific ministries. (I do realize the term gets tossed around quite a bit these days, but a bit of online research will usually reveal if the organization touting the fairly traded goods is reputable.)  The Lighthouse Christian Bookstore in Queensbury, NY, is now offering a selection of goods from SERRV, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating poverty wherever it resides.

SERRV works with thousands of small-scale artisans and farmers in Africa, Asia, Latin America and other developing regions of the world by marketing their handcrafts and agricultural products. Through our work with 75 community-based organizations in 36 countries, we create economic opportunity so these producers can support their families. 

In addition to purchasing and marketing products, we work with producers to assist them in becoming economically self sufficient through product design, training, information, technical assistance and market access. 

Your purchases give you the chance to have a direct impact on our global market’s great injustices: the inequality in income and quality of life for people living in developing countries. With your help, SERRV becomes a powerful tool for putting right the imbalance in the world. Our work encompasses more than just buying and selling. We offer prepayments so our partners can sustain their business, create new designs so they can build their markets, teach new skills so they can develop their craft, and provide grants so they can expand their resources. We support equal rights for women, guide sustainable development, and of course, pay a fair wage. 

For 60 years, we have worked on behalf of the world’s Artisans and Farmers. One of the first alternative trade organizations in the world, SERRV is a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) and a member of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF).

The photos are of some of the items I’ve purchased at The Lighthouse: a kalsa grass basket made in Bangladesh, a handcrafted bamboo vase from Vietnam, and yummy handmade soaps that support women in Chicago (I have the peppermint scent, and we keep it next to our bathroom sink for everyday use).  

If you’re looking for a gift and live in the Queensbury area, please consider supporting The Lighthouse, as well as artisans around the world who would not be able to support their families without the sale of their handicrafts. 

Those of you who aren’t in an area that has a retail store selling SERRV items can shop directly through the website at www.serrv.org or www.agreatergift.org.