Church holiday sale helps disadvantaged artisans

High-quality handcrafted products often come with a high price tag. However, Lord of Life Lutheran Church has a Fair Trade store that imports handcrafted items from around the globe.

The World Fair Trade Organization works with those in remote areas who don’t have many opportunities for work. It ensures each artisan receives a fair price for their craft, creates healthy workplaces, helps stop child labor and nurtures the environment.

The church, located at 3801 S. Panther Creek Drive, is hosting a Global Market Fair Trade Holiday Sale on Nov. 17-19. The sale boasts an array of coffee, chocolate and other food items, jewelry, home décor, greeting cards and accessories for everyone. Purchase dollars support farmers, craftsmen and artisans living in disadvantaged communities in countries such as Rwanda, Vietnam, India, Haiti and others.

Lord of Life became involved with Fair Trade because a sister church that sold coffee and chocolate recommended it. Lord of Life began its Hands of Faith Fair Trade Ministry with those two items and soon expanded to importing a broader variety from more countries.

Anne Swetich, director of outreach ministries at Lord of Life, said that by teaching a skill set and providing work to disadvantaged communities, the Fair Trade mission helps keep young women out of sex trafficking and allows children to get an education instead of doing labor.

Buying Fair Trade items is a direct way to help those in need. Instead of giving to a charity with multiple channels before money arrives where it needs to, Fair Trade purchases go directly back to the craftsman.

“Personally, I’d rather give money to someone who’s earning it rather than charity. I think that’s good for the human nature in terms of ‘yeah I did this work, I earned this’ and have that pride,” Swetich said.

Consumers beware, though, when purchasing items from a retail store. Products may look the same, but there is no guarantee the artisan receives much, if any, percentage of the sale. Items certified as Fair Trade and that bear the logo assure customers that 20-40 percent of the purchase price goes back to the person who created it.

“It’s a great value. The prices are less than you’d buy at a retail store and ... you can feel good buying it because you know you’re helping someone in poverty,” Swetich said. “To me it’s like a win-win.”

At some Fair Trade stores, the price is doubled to fund mission trips. Lord of Life has a different model. It keeps the cost low in order to sell more and help a greater amount of people.

“We sell the things at very, very little above what the cost is and mainly we reinvest that in buying more inventory,” Swetich said.

The upcoming holiday sale is an opportunity for the church to expand its mission into the community and invite people into the church. Lord of Life wishes to educate people about Fair Trade and its products so that they know there is another option in terms of buying quality handcrafted items.

Sale hours are 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. Credit cards, cash and checks will be accepted. For those who are unable to attend the holiday sale, normal store operating hours are Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For additional information about the Hands of Faith Fair Trade Ministry and directions, call 281367-7016.