I do not have a relationship with any of these organizations (except the CRWRC gift catalog, of course, and my sister) and do not benefit from  nor guarantee any purchase.  However, as I send Kenyan treasures home and people see them I am getting questions about how people can get their own Kenyan treasures.  So, instead of shopping for you, here are some places that you can shop on your own. 

 

 

The CRWRC gift catalog

This is a great way to find something for that person who has everything or doesn’t want one more thing to dust.  The CRWRC has a site where you can give help to people around the world in honor of the people that you care about.  You can provide all sorts of great things as well as disaster relief right here in Kenya.    

RubesDesigns

This is my middle sister, Sarah, whom I call Ruby (silly story not worth repeating here, but ask either one of us and we’ll share).  She is making high-quality jewelry and other treasures and selling them at great prices.  While she is not necessarily ‘fair trade’ she is supporting me.  So everytime you buy an item it provides her with a bit of cash so that she can send me another treat from home!  (It’s expensive to mail stuff from the States to Kenya, ya know.)     

 This store is not new to many of you as they are all around North America.  The quality of the items is of the highest standard and you can shop right there in a city near you.  Liberal even used to have one and I’m not sure what happened to it but last I was in Hutch there was still one there.  The site has a spot where you can order online or find a location near you.

  

 

Joy Bringers is located in downtown Eldoret in western Kenya.  This is an organization that is employing PLWHA and makes all sorts of items from beads.  These are quality products and friendly staff.  They are also willing to make items to order and have a quick turn around.   My friend, Alida, who lives upcountry, is the one who introduced me to Joseph and his group.  Check them out!

 

Wonder Welders is in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and is a group working to give disabled people meaningful employment.  I learned about them from one of our volunteers there, Rachel.  They are environmentally responsible and making wonderful things from trash.  I received some cards from there for Christmas.  I love them!  They are so creative and fun!  They have all sorts of things so be sure to check them out.

 

 
 
 I came across this store at the Sarit Center, not far from our office.  The Sarit Center is Nairobi’s first mall that has a bit of everything, not unlike our malls in North America.  This place has a lot of great items.  The one item that sticks out in my mind is a nativity made from banana leaves by a refugee of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  It’s not very big but wonderful.    

7 THINGS you should know about The Banana Box (from their marketing)

  • We support Kenyan crafts 
  • We work closely with Community Projects, Local artisans and Refugees, enabling them to make a living
  • We empower KEnyan women – Craftswomen
  • We encourage carvers to use sustainable wood from managed forestry porjects
  • Many of our products are made from Recycled Matatus (these are the van/busses that drive crazily throughout the country as an alternative to a regular bus)
  • Our paper shopping bags are handmade and printerd by “Street Boys”
  • We believe in FAIR TRADING

 

  Undugu Society of Kenya

I really enjoy shopping here.  The people are friendly and knowledgable and the prices are good.  It is a fair trade shop and this website gives you a good taste of what they carry.  However, you shop differently here by requesting information on the items in which you are interested.  If you saw my dad during any of my presentations, his shirt came from here.

 

 Gifts on a Mission

  This is an organization run by a friend of mine.  Jackie is great and really loves getting to know the people that she buys from here so that you know who you are helping.  Items for sale should be up online soon, so drop by and see what the org is all about.

 

Gift of yourself – Ministry Partnership with CRWRC Relationship Coffee

I found this site via the CRC Justice Seekers website that I’ve mentioned before.  The basic unit is 1 pound for $7.25 (whole roasted beans) in a sealed foil bag.  You may purchase any amount you can drink!  The options available are limited to two at this time.  They are Nile Highland Arabica and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe.  This supports Ugandan coffee growers.

This is another great spot for you fairtrade coffelovers.  My friend and coworker, Matt, has been working with them for his graduate work.  You can see what Matt and Katie are up to now (they arrive in Hondorus for a year with CRWRC in Aug.) at their blog.  http://apps.facebook.com/causes/54928?recruiter_id=13538585