Ten Thousand Villages celebrates World Fair Trade Day on May 10

On Saturday, May 10, Ten Thousand Villages in Cleveland Heights will host a World Fair Trade Day celebration, in recognition of the difference fair trade commerce makes in the lives of artisans. World Fair Trade Day is celebrated in more than 70 countries.

Events at the Cleveland Heights fair trade store will include free fair trade bananas donated by Mustard Seed in Akron, chocolate tastings with Equal Exchange, live music from local musicians, Henna by Jennifer, and a jewelry BOGO—just in time for Mother’s Day on May 11.

Laura Potter, store manager, said, “When customers choose to shop at Ten Thousand Villages, they play a vital role in a trading relationship where women earn income and dignity as they care for their children at home, artisans with physical disabilities find purpose, and children go to school instead of work. World Fair Trade Day allows us to celebrate all of the ways fair trade benefits artisans and customers.”

Home decor, jewelry, linens and gifts purchased at Ten Thousand Villages support the long-term financial security of artisan workshops and families around the world. Because Ten Thousand Villages pays advances on purchase orders, artisans can begin work without taking out loans to buy materials. Ten Thousand Villages commitment to maintaining long-term relationships with artisans makes it possible for families to plan and for workshops to improve their margins and recover their investments in product development.

For more than 65 years, Ten Thousand Villages has worked with artisans who are on the fringes of their communities, creating fair-buying relationships.

For more information about Ten Thousand Villages or the World Fair Trade Day celebration, contact Laura Potter at 216-575-1058 or visit www.tenthousandvillages.com/clevelandheights.

Ten Thousand Villages, 12425 Cedar Road, is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.