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Fair Trade Dignity by Design a Success

May 6, 2005 -- The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs co-hosted a free multimedia presentation entitled "Fair Trade: Dignity by Design" on May 2 at the Chicago Cultural Center. The program included guest speakers from fair trade organizations, a musical performance by Funkadesi, a fair trade market, and a fashion show. MarketPlace: Handwork of India is one of several organizations that participated in the program designed to inform consumers of the ways in which their purchase decisions affect unfair labor practices and social change.



MarketPlace: Handwork of India introduced its unique, handmade clothing and accessories in a fashion show near the end of the program. Established in 1986 as a nonprofit organization, MarketPlace: Handwork of India has worked to help women in India build new lives through the establishment of self-governed cooperatives that create the MarketPlace apparel and housewares. These beautiful items are sold in the U.S. through select boutiques, catalogs, and Internet sales.



Pushpika Freitas, one of the founders of MarketPlace, spoke about MarketPlace and fair trade while presenting the fashion show items. Freitas explained how fair trade drives social improvement. "The primary goal is empowering the women through employment, " said Freitas, "If women cannot put food on the table, you cannot talk about dignity, you cannot talk about them making changes in their lives and the lives of their families."



Women-made handicrafts and apparel from around the globe, including MarketPlace products, were available for sale in the fair trade market at the beginning and the end of the presentation. Kimberly German, Sales Manager for MarketPlace, noted the event's success, "It was a good turnout. We sold over $700 in products at the fair trade market." For the women in India who make MarketPlace products, more sales equal better lives for their children and communities.



To be added to the MarketPlace: Handwork of India catalog mailing list or to be directed to a boutique that carries the MarketPlace line, call 1-800-726-8905, or shop on-line at http://www.marketplaceindia.com.



Photos Available Upon Request

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