Events: The Fair Trade Market
Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st, Friday 26th, Saturday 27th & Sunday the 28th
of November from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In November, Manchester United Methodist Church will hold its eighth annual Fair Trade Market, offering thousands of handmade items with an average price of $20, live entertainment and food.
The Fair Trade Market is designed to transport shoppers around the world with international entertainment and a selection of items from more than 50 countries. None generated in sweatshops or in violation of fair labor practices. Items available include clothing and accessories, coffee, chocolate, baskets and boxes, games, home decor, jewelry, musical instruments, rugs, toys and more.
The event began in 2003 as a project of Manchester's Justice Advocates, a volunteer organization with a mission to raise awareness and work for social justice in the community and beyond.
With more than 5,000 shoppers and a near sellout of items in 2009, organizers believe it to be the largest of its kind in the United States. The gross sales over the history of the 27-day event is more than $440,000 while striving for economic justice for artisans and educating attendees about sustainable development and justice issues.
Fair-trade gifts give twice: once to the recipient, with a second gift of fair pay to the artisan who produced it. Fair trade is good for the planet and good for people.
