The International Gift Faire sticks close to its local roots
By Shari Kaplan
Although Ten Thousand Villages closed its nonprofit shop in downtown Los Gatos last year, its memories still remain--those of the volunteers who worked there as well as those of the Los Gatans, Saratogans and other locals who shopped there.
One reason these ties still bind is the International Gift Faire, a fundraiser for Ten Thousand Villages' mission to keep the fair trade cause alive. Now in its 12th year, the Faire takes place in the Fellowship Hall at Lincoln Glen Church, 2700 Booksin Ave., in the Willow Glen area of San Jose. The Faire runs Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It offers hundreds of handicrafts--including baskets, holiday ornaments, toys, jewelry, rugs, musical instruments and brassware--made by artisans living in developing Third World countries. Last year, the Faire benefited more than 60,000 individuals hailing from more than 30 countries.
The artisans rely on their creative skills for income for a variety of reasons. Some are refugees, while others are the spouses of "disappeared" human rights workers. Still others are illiterate, landless or homeless. Their common bond is a determination to make a better life for themselves through their work. In so doing, they also bring betterment to their villages. A little money goes a long way in Third World nations.
Among the local volunteers is native Saratogan Ann Burris, who served as assistant manager at the Los Gatos store and is now chairwoman of the Faire. She says she has an abiding passion for Third World women, some of whom awaken in the morning and wonder what they will feed their children that day.
"I think that as wealthy Americans, in this land of abundance and luxury, we must share our wealth and provide those who are tired and hungry with the opportunity to earn a decent living," Burris says. "We, in turn, will be enriched. Every purchase is a double blessing--for us and for those who make the handicrafts."
Ten Thousand Villages is part of a marketing and job-creation program developed by the Mennonite Central Committee. All Faire proceeds are returned to Ten Thousand Villages.
For information, call 408.264.1662, or visit www.internationalgiftfaire.com on the Internet.
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Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
