Music Haitien
Ten Thousand Villages and Haiti
Since 1972, Ten Thousand Villages has exported crafts from individual Haitian artisans, co-operatives, groups and family businesses.
I live close to a Ten Thousand Villages store, here in Victoria, and often make purchases (mostly Fair Trade coffee) at that store. Recently, I chatted with Maria Lyons, store manager, about the situation in Haiti, and how people can help. Maria told me the best way to help artisans right now is to sell their products. Maria says “Ten Thousand Villages is also in the Philippines, and when the typhoon struck the Philippines (this fall), our artisans told us the best way to help them was to place more orders and to sell more product, which ensures future work.”
So, to advocate for Haitian artisans and North American consumerism, I put together this short 3 minute video. Supplementing Maria’s guided tour of Haitian products, sold in her/my local Ten Thousand Villages store, are a few photos of Haitian artisans, along with some music of the region. (photos & music courtesy Ten Thousand Villages) If you can’t see the video, click here.
The importance of long-term relationships
When disaster struck Haiti three weeks ago, Ten Thousand Villages was quick to respond; working through the Mennonite Central Committee, $100k was raised, with a further $1million to be committed, over the next few years, for Haitian relief.
The quick response reflected the relationship between Ten Thousand Villages and Haitian artisans, a relationship dating back almost four decades.
Four times a year, Ten Thousand Villages purchases artisan goods from the Comite Artisanal Haitien, a non-profit marketing cooperative in Haiti, representing more than 800 Haitain artisans, in 170 different workshops. In the past, the money earned by these artisans is not just supplemental income, it is often the sole source of support for the artisans, and their families. And now? Well, you can imagine the need!
In this video clip, Maria talks about upporting Haiti after the media leaves, the value of long-term relationships and sustainable practices… (if you can’t see this video, click here)
Know and do more?
Want to know more about the link between sustainability and Fair Trade or just plain Fair Trade? Check out my post about Level Ground Trading: Linking sustainability to long-term relationships. It includes a summary of Fair Trade practice, along with the relevant links.
Want to support Haitian artisans? Purchase some fairly traded Haitian artwork from Ten Thousand Villages store. Your purchase ensures future orders of Haitian artisan product will be made (artisans are paid up-front, in full, for their goods), giving the artisans the incentive, and future income, they’ll need, going forward.
Related: List of Portland Benefits For Haiti (Events & Food)
From our partners at East Burn
East Burn hosts three day Haitian benefit
Portland, Oregon- East Burn will host a three day benefit this weekend, January 21 to January 23, with all proceeds going to Portland Mercy Corps. Drink specials, live music and a raffle will run from Thursday till Saturday in an effort to raise money for the people of Haiti.
Live music will begin at 10 pm on Thursday with Gabe Salo, Friday with Megafauna and Saturday with Chris Boone and the Bruce Lees. Entry is free but donations are encouraged.
Drink specials include $5 Dark and Stormy cocktails made with Barbancourt 4 Year Haitian rum, $6 glasses of white and red wine donated by Columbia Distributing, all drinks made with 42 Below vodka and select craft beer from local breweries.
The Gold Door, located at 1434 SE 37th, has donated a fabulous collection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pendants which will be raffled off. Raffle tickets will be sold all weekend long and the drawing will be done first thing on Monday morning. Tickets can be bought for $5 a piece or $20 for 5 tickets.
Cash donations will be accepted all weekend and will be given to Portland Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps helps people in the world’s toughest places turn the crisis of natural disaster, poverty and conflict into opportunities for progress. Donations to the organization provide communities with the tools and support they need to transform their own lives.
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East Burn is a locally owned and operated restaurant and bar featuring sixteen craft beers on tap, an all seasons heated patio and tap room with skeeball and other arcade games. The extensive menu is crafted from local and organic ingredients from the northwest.
Join East Burn, Mercy Corps and The Gold Door for a great time and a good cause. Even though we cant all be there, we can still do our part.
For more information, check out MercyCorps.org, TheEastBurn.com, and TheGoldDoor.com.
American Great Music