9 Gifts That Do Good and Give Back

It’s wonderful that more options are popping up to purchase products that provide needed income in areas of great poverty, as well as fair trade alternatives.  I set out to find gifts that do even more, such as provide education or support to the impoverished artisans, are made of recycled or natural materials to be kind to our earth, etc.  My other criteria was that they ship to Canada and the United States and in many of the following suggestions they also ship to other countries, as well some have retails locations.

1.  The Leakey Collection

Based in Kenya, Africa, over 1,400 Maasai create elegant, handcrafted products including sustainable jewellery made from natural elements, a skin care line, and home interior accessories. They are members of the Fair Trade Federation and Green America.  In addition The Leakey Collection carries out local initiatives, including donating five per cent of all sales to support health benefits, education, and infrastructure.  Website:  www.leakeycollection.com/

2.  Krochet Kids

Three guys, all college friends who knew how to crochet, started Krochet Kids which now employs over 150 people in Uganda and Peru to create these unique pieces.  Not only are people gainfully employed, but they also receive education in English literacy, and mentorship in personal budgeting, savings and loaning practices and business development.  Their motto:  ”Buy a Hat. Change a Life.” What’s really cool is that every product is hand signed by the woman who made it!  Truly, a piece of art.  Website:  www.krochetkids.org 

3.  Canaan Fair Trade

Canaan Fair Trade sells olive oil and other delicacies (olives, sundried tomatoes, cous cous, za’atar, tahini, gift baskets and soaps) produced by over 1,700 small farmers from marginalized Palestinian rural communities. They are organized in village cooperatives and represented by the Palestine Fair Trade Association (PFTA).  Social and economic empowerment programs are implemented, and farmers also receive an education in sustainable practices.

One dollar from each olive oil tin sold goes to the Tree of Life program, which supplies olive trees to farmers.  You can also buy trees as gifts with $20 purchasing 3 trees. In addition, the Canaan Scholarship Fund develops and supports youth programs from pre-college through higher education in Palestine.  And if that wasn’t enough, they also support woman owned cooperatives through a microloan program, which anyone can help support.  Website:  www.canaanusa.com

4.  Sseko Designs

Sseko Designs makes beautiful leather sandals with interchangeable fabric straps that can be styled in hundreds of ways.  They use fashion to provide full-time employment for Ugandan women at above a fair wage, as well as employment during the 9 month gap between high school and university for those wanting to pursue post-secondary education.  For women in this latter group, 50% of their salary is put into savings and at the end of the 9 months, Sseko Designs provides a university scholarship that match 100% of their savings.  They ship worldwide, and have many retailers. Website:  www.ssekodesigns.com

5.  Made by Survivors

Made by Survivors is a nonprofit organization which employs and educates survivors of slavery and other human rights abuses.  They provide fair wages and 100% of the profits go to support rescue and aftercare.  Survivor artisans create beautiful jewellery, bags, gifts and cards, as well as items for kids.  All of their centers are designed so they can be independent, self-sustaining, and survivor-owned within three years of launch.  Website:  www.madebysurvivors.com

 6.  Punjammies

Punjammies is part of the International Princess Project, who advocates for women enslaved in prostitution in India.  Women who leave the brothels are provided occupational training and a job at their sewing centre to create pajamas from beautiful Indian fabrics.   …Continue Reading

Years ago I read a suggestion by author Susan Jeffers who said to write out 50 things we’re grateful for every day.  Since then I’ve often used this technique, and passed it on to others.

50 things is a lot so people usually groan at the number and struggle at first to come up with that many.  It’s supposed to be challenging so we can look at things we often take for granted.  For example, did you eat today (more than 800 million go to bed hungry every day)?  Do you have a roof over your head (U.N. estimated about 100 million homeless in 2005, with another 100 million who are the hidden homeless)?  Do you live …Continue Reading

Hungry and tired after work, I stopped into the neighbourhood shop in Uganda and said quickly “Hi, do you have any cheese today?”  The woman behind the counter slowly smiled and said “Hello”.  I felt sheepish, showing what is considered there to be my Western rudeness.  “Oh sorry” I said, “Hello.  How are you?”. “Good” she replied, “how are you?”. I responded and then she asked “How are your people?” referring to the other volunteers I lived with.  “Fine” I say “and how is your family?”  After she replied and only then is it polite to ask for what one wants.  Connections first.

I must admit although I loved the personal touch, at times it was annoying such as …Continue Reading

One of the best things about traveling is how much we can learn.  One of the very first lessons I learned was how to choose a spouse.  After barely arriving in the West Bank to work with Palestinian Christians in a small village, I was asked, “Is it important for you to be in love before you get married?”  I admit, I was taken back since it seemed an obvious YES to me.  After answering I got thinking, if they were asking that question maybe their answer isn’t what I assumed.  It wasn’t.  They said no.

You don’t have to be in love?!                 

I was intrigued. You don’t have to be in love?  They explained that …Continue Reading

I love traveling – meeting new people, trying new food, enjoying being part of a new culture, being in awe of their customs and traditions, learning so much about myself and the world, and also being able to do some good. I know, some of you are saying I’m actually doing bad by getting in an airplane and thus contributing to global warming and I agree…and I feel guilty about that (so happy that some airlines are using biofuels now to relieve some of that guilt). However, I believe the good that can come out of traveling is worth it. …Continue Reading

IMPACT Journeys is about making a difference in the world so it seems to make sense to do a blog post about Christmas gifts that help the world. These ideas cover gifts that provide income for disadvantaged communities, purchases that include a donation, gifts where you buy one and an identical one is donated, and charitable gifts.

…Continue Reading

After traipsing across the ocean numerous times, I’ve added to my arsenal of how to survive those super long flights. Many of my trips have been multiple long legs, with stopovers, resulting in 25 -33 hours to get to my destination. My items have served to entertain me, stay as physically comfortable as possible, and get some much-needed sleep.

…Continue Reading

As baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964, we have lived enough years for each one of us to have been through lots of challenges and issues.  We survived!  We had to overcome obstacles, solve problems, and adapt.  All of these experiences have taught us many life lessons.

There’s no way any of us could get to the age we are without experiencing lots of change.  We’ve seen (and maybe been involved with) protests and sit-ins.  We’ve been hippies and flower children.  We felt free and talked about love and peace around the world.  We believed we could change the world.

Then something happened.  …Continue Reading

South Africa is a unique country where you can have incredible experiences and a trip to remember forever.  There are a multitude of reasons to go to South Africa now.  Here are our top 10: …Continue Reading

If you’ve ever had a holiday at an all-inclusive resort, you know that you could really be in any warm place with white sand, blue water, and endless buffets. Perhaps good for relaxing, but you miss out on getting to know the culture, the people, and hidden gems off the beaten path. You also miss out on contributing to the local economy, getting an authentic experience, and making a difference by being there.

One way to have more meaningful travel is by …Continue Reading