MPPC’s Global Gift Fair showcases artisans from developing countries

Artisans from more than 13 developing countries will benefit from local shoppers at the Global Gift Fair at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 950 Santa Cruz Ave. in Menlo Park, on Saturday, November 10, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday, November 11, 9 am to 3 pm.

Because the church partners with Heavenly Treasures, a fair trade micro-enterprise network, 100% of proceeds are reinvested with the artisans, who are the poorest of the poor. The gift fair will equip and assist people in developing countries to break the cycle of poverty through their own handiwork and creativity.

“This is one of the most loved events that MPPC hosts,” says Bennie Ingraham, Mission Director at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. “It’s a great opportunity to be a conscious consumer and purchase gifts for friends, families, and teachers,” says Ingraham.

Staffed by volunteers from the church, the fair will offer unique handcrafted textiles, ceramics, jewelry, home and fashion products in time for the holidays. The products represent more than 50 projects in 13 countries around the world. Each one is made by an individual striving to overcome poverty, sex trafficking, HIV-AIDS or political conflict. Proceeds support men and women who create these products in order to become self-sufficient in meeting basic health care, housing, and educational needs for their families.

“Shopping here is a tremendous experience. Each product has a story behind it. Every purchase changes a life,” says Tina McMinn, volunteer Global Gift Fair Manager. “We invite the community to come by the gift fair and check it out.”

Photo by Linda Hubbard from 2011 Global Gift Fair