Ten Thousand Villages celebrates six and a half decades of Fair Trade
NEW HAMBURG, ON - When Edna Ruth Byler sold Puerto Rican needlework from the trunk of her car 65 years ago she began a Fair Trade movement that Ten Thousand Villages continues today.
"She saw local people making things but with no place to sell them," says Ten Thousand Villages Canada CEO Don Epp. "Traditionally the items were much more culturally focused. Over time we worked with artisans to produce items that are not only cultural but that consumers here want to buy."
On October 1, the 48 Ten Thousand Villages stores across Canada celebrated the 65th anniversary of Fair Trade with displays, videos, gift basket draws, special guests and refreshments. Some locations even sampled Edna Ruth Byler's famous sweet rolls.
In New Hamburg, Ontario, the Canadian head office held an open house that included tours, presentations, displays, food and complimentary cups of the new limited edition Celebration Blend coffee.
Events for the 65th anniversary - which also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Ten Thousand Villages Canada's start - also included a tour by storyteller and former Ten Thousand Villages CEO Doug Dirks.
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