Time flies by in the Small World. Volunteers enjoy a blether while they make up orders and fill shelves. It's easy to forget that we this thing we call voluntary 'work' does make a difference.
Each beautiful handcrafted item we sell has a story and makes a difference to someone:
Every Batsiranai doll sold from our wee shop in Prestonpans, has a twin in Zimbabwe, where it was made. When you buy one of these handmade dolls, you keep one and its twin is given to a needy child from a family affected by HIV/AIDS. The dolls are made by the Batsiranai Mothers Group whose own children have special needs and are often shunned by Zimbabwean society.
The Goonj notepads are made from office waste paper (i.e. documents which have been printed on one side and plain on the other). It is great gift for a Nosey Parker as you never know what you will find on the reverse!
By purchasing one of our carved wooden birds, you can Make a Difference to the Wichi Indians whose way of life is threatened by the relentless advance of 'civilisation'.
Volunteers are always needed in the Prestonpans shop. If you would like to join our happy band of men and women, please call into the shop.
And if volunteering doesn't suit, please remember that
hoosing Fair Trade really, really does Make a Difference.
Of the approximately 120 million children born in the developing world each year, half will live in households without access to improved sanitation, at grave risk to their survival and development. Poor hygiene and lack of access to sanitation together contribute to about 88% of deaths from diarrheal diseases, accounting for 1.5 million diarrhea-related under-five deaths each year. Children suffer disproportionately from diarrheal and respiratory diseases and deaths. But research shows that children – the segment of society so often the most energetic, enthusiastic, and open to new ideas – can also be powerful agents of behavioral change.
