Ten Thousand Villages

On Saturday November 12^th, as part of a YMCA Canada initiative; Ten Thousand Villages in Port Colborne and Niagara on the Lake along with the YMCA of Niagara will work in partnership in support of YMCA Peace Week and the YMCA of South Africa.

Ten Thousand Villages began in 1946 when Edna Ruth Byler, a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) worker, visited volunteers in Puerto Rico who were teaching sewing classes in an effort to help improve the lives of women living in poverty.

Through her efforts, Byler understood that men and women around the world have a simple dream – to earn an honest living, to provide for their children and to be gainfully employed in a job that brings dignity and joy. Ten Thousand Villages partners with thousands of talented artisans in healthy business relationships.

Often referred to as 'Fair Trade,' Ten Thousand Villages’ philosophy of helping to build a sustainable future is based on the principle that trade should have a conscience. Through Fair Trade artisans receive the respect, dignity and hope that comes from working hard and earning fair value for their work.

Today, Ten Thousand Villages is a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), a global network of Fair Trade Organizations. WFTO’s mission is to improve the livelihood and well-being of disadvantaged producers by linking and promoting Fair Trade organizations and speaking out for greater justice in world trade. Over 270 FTOs in 60 countries form the basis of this network.

On November 12^th, 2011 Ten Thousand Villages customers will be encouraged to hand in a voucher indicating that they would like 15% of their purchase to be donated to our YMCA international partner: YMCA of South Africa (SAYMCA).

The events will be held at the Niagara on the Lake Ten Thousand Villages store, and the Port Colborne Ten Thousand Villages store will be bringing merchandise to be sold in the Rotunda of the YMCA of St. Catharines, Walker Family Branch. The Niagara on the Lake store is open on Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and is located at 46 Queen Street.  Merchandise at Walker Family Branch will be available on Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.

YMCA Volunteers will be in store educating customers about our work with SAYMCA as well as highlighting Ten Thousand Villages fair trade and employment sustainability initiatives in developing countries.

Click here to download your coupon to support the YMCA of South Africa

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