Apr 17, 2010

World of wares: ‘Global fair trade movement’ takes root in ColumbusBy Allison KennedyLedger-Enquirer.com

As guests perused the colorful wares on display, a few children — decked out in attire from India — helped serve refreshments. Another child, upon walking in the room and hearing music exclaimed, “Mom, it sounds like Chinese!”

Snacks included hummus and pita bread, Mexican dip and a delicacy containing Indian mint.

The store contains items from Ten Thousand Villages — a reflection of homemade crafts from around the world. Founded in 1946, Ten Thousand Villages particularly benefits women and children living in impoverished areas; the women make the goods which are then marketed in North America. And the women, in turn, receive a “fair” wage for their craft. Products include rugs and place mats, wall hangings, coasters and jewelry.

Currently, 32 countries take part in the Ten Thousand Villages trade — notably in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

In Columbus, this new and thus far only store is affiliated with the Friendship Cafe of International Friendship Ministries. IFM, directed by the Rev. Ron Collins and Carole Collins, is 10 years old; it’s an outreach to internationals in Columbus; and its cafe launched last fall in part of the Albright’s Flower and Gift Shop on University Avenue. It serves healthy, organic foods such as sandwiches and soups. The store and cafe are open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The RiverCenter for Performing Arts gift shop has a Ten Thousand Villages collection, but the gift shop will close May 1.

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