Global Gift Fair at MPPC both showcases – and benefits – artisans from 13 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 Avenue) on Saturday, November 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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. Last year, Global Gift Fair sales totaled over $128,000.

“During the holiday season, the Global Gift Fair is a great way to shop with a purpose,” says Bennie Ingraham, Mission Director at MPPC. “Through their purchases, the local Menlo Park community can positively change the lives of men, women, and children around the world.”

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.

MPPC has been on Santa Cruz Avenue for 140 years and today has four campuses, including locations in San Mateo and Mountain View, with 4,500 members. Heavenly Treasures is a non-profit organization that launches and supports micro enterprises in developing countries. 100% of proceeds from product sales are reinvested with the artisans and their projects.