Global Handmade Hope is a Fair Trade wholesale and retail store in Park Ridge, IL. We opened our doors on Nov. 16th, 2009 and offer the community sustainably produced items from around the world. You'll find a diverse array of Fair Trade home decor, accessories, apparel, kids' items and foods in our store - all produced fairly by artisans and farmers from developing countries.
Global Handmade Hope is different from other Fair Trade outlets: with a focus on and direct connection to East Africa. Global Handmade Hope carries many unique items that are made specifically for us.
In May of 2010, Global Handmade Hope reached out to Fair Trade artisians in Colombia. In August of 2010, we traveled to South Africa to meet and forge relationships with new artists. In August of 2011, we formed a partnership with faith based missionaries in Turkey to work with artisans. We are excited about building a strong network of Fair Trade partners through out the world. We believe the world is a Global Village.
Global Handmade Hope began in 2009 after a mission trip to Rwanda. Our mission is to promote social justice, help families provide food, shelter, education and gain access to health care. We accomplish this goal by offering artists a place and opportunity to sell their goods. We firmly believe that our artists are amazing. Their creativity and hard work creates a platform for our company to work within. We simply provide access to markets that they would not normally be able to reach. We strive to offer hope and to help all find the path that will lead them to God. With your support, we can make a difference in the world.
What is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade is a market-based system of social and economic development. Fair Trade empowers disadvantaged producers from developing countries to earn income and gain respect through trade. Fair Trade means:
-producers are paid a fair, living wage
-producers are organized democratically, in co-operatives or unions
-gender equality and no slave labor
-technical assistance and transparency
-environmental protection
There are lots of Fair Trade items available in the US - coffee, tea, chocolate, wine, olive oil, body care products, spices, nuts, fruit (dried & fresh), sports balls, sugar, vanilla, flowers, crafts and accessories.
Fair Trade is a growing movement in the US, and there are many opportunities for you to get involved and learn more. Visit TransFair USA or the Fair Trade Federation website for more information on certification, standards and available Fair Trade products.
Who we support:
Global Handmade Hope carries Fair Trade items from around the world, as well as unique items created in the USA by social enterprises. In addition, we reach out to various charities in each country and the communities we work in. We pray that God will use and direct our efforts so that we may be of the greatest service.
The first step to supporting Fair Trade is switching your consumption to Fair Trade items!
*Buy Fair Trade coffee, holiday gifts, wine, etc, and and encourage your friends, family, colleagues, and faith groups to do the same.
*Host a home party, a fundraiser, a gift exchange, a coffee date, or a dessert party using only Fair Trade items.
*Ask for Fair Trade at the grocery store, coffee shop, gift store -- you vote with your dollar and these stores will listen to you if you ask them for Fair Trade.
*Become a fan of Global Handmade Hope on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @globalhandshope, and sign up for our e-newsletter! If you are a wholesale customer, please contact us, provide your tax ID number and we will add you to our newsletter specifically for wholesale accounts.
In 2012 we will be launching two new fair trade projects, Threads of Glory and Jewels of Glory. Here is a quick preview of the new logos. Please stay tuned for details.
We welcome you to come in and make a difference by voting for justice with your dollar.
We hope to see you soon!
