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Each year in December, we hold an alternative Christmas fair
at the church to provide an opportunity for you to purchase Christmas
presents in a way that helps artisans in 40 countries around the world.
The sale is coming on the first weekend in December in 2002.
On Saturday, December 7, the sale will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m. Then on Sunday morning, December 8, we will continue the
sale between Worship services.
Artisans from 40 countries around the world supply unique
items to SERRV, which advances as much as 50% of the final price for
artisans to purchase raw materials and pays producer partners fair prices
within the context of their local economy. Tens of thousands of
artisans and family members are provided supplemental or total annual
income. SERRV sells $6 million in handicrafts, coffee, chocolate, and
other products from the developing world.
Begun in 1949 to help refugees in post WWII Europe, Sales Exchange for
Refugee Rehabilitation Vocation, or SERRV, now has partnerships with many
artisans who are not refugees, but the acronym has been retained.
SERRV has always been more than just buying and selling products from
poor people around the world. They provide emergency grants and send
designers to transform old products into new ones. But mostly what
they do is help people find solutions for themselves to life's difficulties
and problems.
Plan now to visit the SERRV Alternative Holiday Fair on December 7 and 8
for some great Christmas shopping that will be especially meaningful.
The children can pick out low cost items and the adults can find that
special gift for someone who has everything.
For more information, contact a member of the Outreach and Service Team.
Volunteers are always welcome! |
