Here we are facing the spectre of deflation and all over the developed world things are looking bleak. We could be forgiven for feeling sorry for ourselves as Christmas approaches and we contemplate a smaller turkey, perhaps fewer presents...?
Well, poverty is relative. When Ugandan-born Ida Horner went back in 2006 she was so affected by the poverty she saw that she left her job and set up Ethnic Supplies - a social enterprise specialising in handicrafts from the East African countries of Kenya,Uganda,Tanzania and Madagascar.
Sale of these handicrafts enables poverty stricken women - often marginalised, excluded from education and formal employment but still responsible for feeding and clothing their families - to lift themselves out of poverty.
And unlike some "good causes", the products are things you really want to buy: wonderful scarves, hats, jewellery, shopping and tote bags - I saw Ida the other day at a business forum and couldn't decide between two hats, so I bought them both - see the picture!!
So this Christmas, how about reasonably priced gifts that help people in real poverty?
www.ethnicsupplies.co.uk |
