Consider Alternative Gifts to Bring Hope to Others!
11/13/2015 • Christmas Market • Written by Joy Anderson
An alternative market is one where the items for sale include fair trade merchandise and crafts. This is an alternative to purchasing items from a department store in the mall. Alternative markets or fair trade places of business guarantee that your dollars spent go far beyond the price of the craft or food item.
Fair trade means that the artisans are paid a fair wage for their work. This income helps those persons provide food, shelter, medical care, and education for families. It also goes to purchase additional supplies for making their craft.
Fair trade coffee, chocolate and other food items are produced by small farmers in countries such as Guatemala and other Central American countries, as well as several African countries. These small farmers grow such products as coffee beans that they cure and sell to fair trade companies such as Equal Exchange.
Other examples are the cocoa coops in Africa and Central America. Often these cooperative growers get a share from the profits, a say in the company, and a global market.
Dollars spent in an alternative market or on fair trade items are dollars that keep on giving and provide hope for people in developing countries around the world.
An alternative market is available to you starting today! The International Christmas Market of FUMCR opens on TONIGHT from 5pm - 9pm for a $5 Preview Night and then continue on Saturday (10am - 4pm) and Sunday from 8:30am - 1:30pm.
The International Christmas Market is a unique shopping experience that provides a different way to remember and honor family and friends during the Christmas season. Your dollars spent at this Market GIVE HOPE and a chance at a better way of life for people in communities around the world. Every dollar spent at the Market will go outside this church to assist others as they work to provide clothing, shelter, food, and education for themselves and their families. None of the money raised stays within the budget or operating funds of First United Methodist Church Richardson.
