MPPC hosts annual Global Gift Fair Nov. 22 & 23

In time for the holidays, local shoppers can help the poorest of the poor at the Global Gift Fair at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 950 Santa Cruz Ave. in Menlo Park, on Saturday, November 22 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and on Sunday, November 23 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The event is part of MPPC’s focus on poverty and injustice during the month of November. This past weekend the church hosted Gary Haugen, founder and president of the International Justice Mission, who spoke on how violence is as much a part of poverty as hunger and disease, and what we as individuals can do about it.

Because the church partners with Heavenly Treasures, a fair trade micro-enterprise network, 100% of proceeds are reinvested with the artisans, who suffer from extreme poverty and violence. 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 $119,000.

“This year, shoppers will have the special opportunity to meet a local artisan [pictured] from Guatemala,” says Bennie Ingraham, Mission Director at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. “She will be weaving huipiles, traditional Guatemalan garments on-site, in addition to selling a variety of hand-weaved textile products.”

MPPC has been on Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park for 140 years and today has four campuses, including locations in San Mateo and Mountain View.

Photo courtesy of Heavenly Treasures