This October marked the 65th Anniversary of Ten Thousand Villages. 65 years?! How can that be?
In 1946 Edna Ruth Byler visted a sewing class in Puerto Rico where she took home $5 worth of samples to see if she could generate some interest in the products back home. Within 5 years she had sold over $30,000 worth of needlework! She added different products such as woodenware from Haiti and cross-stitch from Palestinian refugees. The volume of products was soon too much for Edna Ruth's car trunk. She opened a gift shop in her basement. The Fair Trade revolution had begun.
Ultimately the project was handed over to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and Edna Ruth retired in 1970. Under the name SELFHELP Crafts, stores were opened throughout Canada in the 1970's. Sales continued to grow and the program became financially independent from MCC. The program and store names changed to Ten Thousand Villages after the Gandhi quote "India is not to be found in its cities but in the 700,000 villages... we hardly ever paused to inquire if these folks get sufficient to eat and clothe themselves with".
At Ten Thousand Villages we look forward to a day when all people can earn a fair and reliable income and have the security of knowing they can provide for themselves and their families. Until that day, we value the support and passion of every one of our customers and volunteers. Thank you as we continue to celebrate the past and work for the future!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Earth Friendly and Sustainable Products
Much of our items at Ten Thousand Villages are earth friendly, made from recycled or sustainable materials. Why is this important? It provides our artisans with sustainable natural resources they are able to use to create their products. In return, the customer receives an item that is not only useful, they can really feel great about. Go fair trade, go green!
In Vietnam, water hyacinth is an aquatic weed, forming a tangled web of roots and runners that clog up waterways, navigation routes, and causes flooding. This fast growing weed will also destroy native plants and wildlife habitats. Because of its rapid growth rate, water hyacinth can be harvested without damaging the environment. The leaves are cut away, the stem is split, and the pulp is removed. It is dried in the sun and treated with a salt solution to protect it from fungus. The pieces can be braided or layered to create new items. At Ten Thousand Villages we carry a variety of baskets made from water hyacinth that are not only strong but also make for very attractive decor.
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Recycled glass is also carried by Ten Thousand Villages. Our artisans in Bangladesh create water pitchers and glasses out of it. They start by purchasing batches of broken glass from a wholesaler. The glass is completely cleaned and dried in the sun. It is heated in a large furnace until it is of a gel-like consistency. It is finally blown or molded into certain shapes.
Looking for something recycled that is even more unique? How about... photo frames and bottle openers made from bike chain ... a bag made of upcycled saris ... hotmats and bowls made of coiled newspaper ... furniture made from reclaimed hardwood ... recycled aluminum bowls and trays.
In Vietnam, water hyacinth is an aquatic weed, forming a tangled web of roots and runners that clog up waterways, navigation routes, and causes flooding. This fast growing weed will also destroy native plants and wildlife habitats. Because of its rapid growth rate, water hyacinth can be harvested without damaging the environment. The leaves are cut away, the stem is split, and the pulp is removed. It is dried in the sun and treated with a salt solution to protect it from fungus. The pieces can be braided or layered to create new items. At Ten Thousand Villages we carry a variety of baskets made from water hyacinth that are not only strong but also make for very attractive decor.
Recycled glass is also carried by Ten Thousand Villages. Our artisans in Bangladesh create water pitchers and glasses out of it. They start by purchasing batches of broken glass from a wholesaler. The glass is completely cleaned and dried in the sun. It is heated in a large furnace until it is of a gel-like consistency. It is finally blown or molded into certain shapes.
Looking for something recycled that is even more unique? How about... photo frames and bottle openers made from bike chain ... a bag made of upcycled saris ... hotmats and bowls made of coiled newspaper ... furniture made from reclaimed hardwood ... recycled aluminum bowls and trays.
Monday, July 4, 2011
The Secrets of Shea Butter
For centuries the women of West Africa have held the secret of shea butter. Full of regenerative properties, shea butter is used as a moisturizer, to relieve joint pain, treat skin disorders (eczema, hives, shingles, burns), and for dressing women's hair. Not to mention it smells wonderful.
Shea butter is extracted from the pit or nut of the Karite tree. These trees are grown across the Savannah from Senegal to Uganda. The nuts are harvested in August when they are ready. The fruit of the Karite is edible. The nuts themselves are boiled, sun-dried and shelled. They are then crushed, roasted and pounded. Added water creates a thick paste which is kneaded and beaten until a caramel coloured foam floats to the surface. The foam is washed repeatedly to remove any impurities. After a final boiling the top layer is skimmed to create the vegetable butter.
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Because of this natural process, all the healing properties of the shea butter are preserved. the shea butter products carried by Ten Thousand Villages are produced in Burkina Faso. Our line includes bar soaps, lotion, and lip balm in three scents: natural, coconut, and cocoa. Good and good for you, shea butter will moisturize and protect even the most sensitive skin.
UGPPK, Union des groupments des productrices des produits de karite (Women producers union of shea butter products), is made up of 3000 members in 38 villages. The specialize in fair trade and organic shea butter. UGPPK aims to improve the lives and living conditions of rural women and their families and invests in the community. In the past few years over 300 women have been taught basic literacy, 80 HIV orphans have received school supplies, and over 500 women producers have been educated in the risks associated with HIV/AIDS. They have also constructed a child care facility so older girls can go to school.
Shea butter is extracted from the pit or nut of the Karite tree. These trees are grown across the Savannah from Senegal to Uganda. The nuts are harvested in August when they are ready. The fruit of the Karite is edible. The nuts themselves are boiled, sun-dried and shelled. They are then crushed, roasted and pounded. Added water creates a thick paste which is kneaded and beaten until a caramel coloured foam floats to the surface. The foam is washed repeatedly to remove any impurities. After a final boiling the top layer is skimmed to create the vegetable butter.
UGPPK, Union des groupments des productrices des produits de karite (Women producers union of shea butter products), is made up of 3000 members in 38 villages. The specialize in fair trade and organic shea butter. UGPPK aims to improve the lives and living conditions of rural women and their families and invests in the community. In the past few years over 300 women have been taught basic literacy, 80 HIV orphans have received school supplies, and over 500 women producers have been educated in the risks associated with HIV/AIDS. They have also constructed a child care facility so older girls can go to school.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Fair Trade Rice and Spice
Naturally scented, organic... delicious! Jasmine rice from Equita is available in pure white, whole-grain brown, and whole-grain red. Grown in the de Isan region of Thailand, the rice releases a natural perfume similar to the jasmine flower. The first and only importer of Fair Trade rice in Canada, Equita strives to empower rice producers to improve their living and working conditions through sustainable projects and practices.
Equita partners with Thai farmers through a cooperative called Green Net. Green Net brings together 1000 families who produce organic rice, conditioning and packaging the rice on site so that more profits stay at the local level. Green Net uses traditional methods of rice cultivation which preserves valuable skills, the environment, and the seeds of roughly 3000 local rice varieties that are endangered due to industrial agricultural practices and the threat of patenting by the United States. The co-op uses natural fertilizers and plant extracts. Green Net is the first and major organic food wholesaler in Thailand.
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In addition to the three varieties of Jasmine Rice, Ten Thousand Villages also carried Equita spices. Sri Lankan Curry, Cinnamon, Ginger, Whole Black Pepper, and Whole Nutmeg... all organic and Fair Trade. Join us on Saturday, July 2nd and try some Mediterranean Rice Salad!
Equita partners with Thai farmers through a cooperative called Green Net. Green Net brings together 1000 families who produce organic rice, conditioning and packaging the rice on site so that more profits stay at the local level. Green Net uses traditional methods of rice cultivation which preserves valuable skills, the environment, and the seeds of roughly 3000 local rice varieties that are endangered due to industrial agricultural practices and the threat of patenting by the United States. The co-op uses natural fertilizers and plant extracts. Green Net is the first and major organic food wholesaler in Thailand.
In addition to the three varieties of Jasmine Rice, Ten Thousand Villages also carried Equita spices. Sri Lankan Curry, Cinnamon, Ginger, Whole Black Pepper, and Whole Nutmeg... all organic and Fair Trade. Join us on Saturday, July 2nd and try some Mediterranean Rice Salad!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Eswatini Preserves = Nom nom nom!
Ten Thousand Villages features a great line of preserves from the Eswatini kitchens of Swaziland. Jams, chutneys, marmalades, and sauces are all made from 100% natural ingredients with no artificial colourants, flavours or preservatives. The women of Eswatini Kitchen purchase their fruits and vegetables for fair prices from over 400 local farmers and growers. Lemons, guavas, wild marula, and chilis have also been hand picked by women and families throughout Swaziland. These tasty products have been made to meet stringent international standards for quality and safety.
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Eswatini Kitchen was established in 1991 by a Catholic priest and an Anglican nun in order to create jobs for impoverished women. The women earn above minimum wage and are paid double for overtime. Employees receive a pension, free healthcare, and literacy classes. The Manzini Youth Care (MYC) is also subsidized through Eswatini. MYC provides a loving home, good food, and education to thousands of street children and orphans. MYC also provides schooling and trades training to other at-risk youth. MYC believes that recreational programs help to build esteem and self-discipline.
We will be sampling Eswatini products in store on Saturday, June 25th. Come on in and try some Mango Jam, Fruit Chutney, or the hot hot hot Swazi Fire Sauce.
We will be sampling Eswatini products in store on Saturday, June 25th. Come on in and try some Mango Jam, Fruit Chutney, or the hot hot hot Swazi Fire Sauce.
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to our blog for Ten Thousand Villages Saskatoon East. We are a non-profit fair trade shop located in The Centre at Circle and 8th Street in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. On our blog you will find all sorts of great and interesting things. We will feature different products and artisans, recipes, stories, and keep you up-to-date on what is happening in our store.
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