Ten Thousand Villages in Cobourg is celebrating its tenth anniversary this weekend and it invites everyone to join in the fun. Ten Thousand Villages is a chain of not-forprofit retail stores located across Canada and staffed primarily by volunteers.
The store’s mission is to bring the products and stories of artisan makers in developing countries to North American markets. Direct fair trade ensures that artisans are paid a fair and living wage for the work that they do. “When artisans are guaranteed a fair wage, they put pride into their work and create amazing craft pieces,” notes Derrick Cunningham, the Cobourg store manager.
In ten years, the Cobourg store has reached out to the Northumberland community and beyond to form partnerships that promote fundraising opportunities. From high schools to postsecondary campuses, churches and other non-profit groups, Ten Thousand Villages Cobourg has been able to give away $50,000 in commissions on sales for fundraising goals of their partner organizations. “One of the highlights of the year,” notes Mr. Cunningham, “is the opportunity after Christmas to tell the Board about all the commission donations we have made and the projects that they will fund throughout the world. It’s amazing to be able to help both our artisans in developing countries have meaningful employment to sustain their families, and to assist local organizations seeking to make a difference in the world as well!”
Celebrations will take place in the store, at 16 King St. West at 11am on Saturday August 24th and will continue throughout the weekend with many special events, including a 40% off-onecraft-item for all customers that weekend.
For more information, and a complete list of 2019 events in downtown Cobourg, visit http://www.downtowncobourg.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
