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The Fair Trader Receive News and Information about our Fair Trade Program.

The CRS Fair Trade Program creates opportunities for you to bring the values of our faith to bear in the marketplace through your purchase of Fair Trade handcrafts, coffee and chocolate and your contributions to the Fair Trade Fund.

Only 49 shopping days until Christmas

UGH! I can’t believe I really wrote that! But, hey, it is part of my job to help you shop your values. I know so many of us want to be thoughtful, responsible consumers, and the upcoming holiday season can full of distractions and temptations that take us of our path. But if we plan ahead we can focus our energies on making Christmas and other holy times meaningful. Knowing when, where, and how you are going to shop for loved ones can bring a sense of purpose to the gift-giving pressures pushed on us by advertisements and cultural expectations.

To help you find your way, here are a few upcoming Work of Human Hands sales that we know about. When you show up at these events you validate the volunteers who took personal time and energy to create a community shopping opportunity. You have the opportunity to purchase beautiful handcrafts, tasty chocolate and specialty coffee, and learn about the people who produced them. Your gifts will also multiply, because each purchase results in a significant contribution to the Fair Trade Fund.

So it is OKAY to get out a list and check it twice. Use that opportunity to reflect on those you love and how you’d like to give them a hand-harvested or hand-crafted item that promotes solidarity. Your generosity will show your appreciation for that person being in your life. Head over to the sale, and don’t forget to thank the volunteers…think of them as a CRS version of St. Nicholas.

DOBBS FERRY, NY
November 17, 10:00-3:00
Our Lady of Victory Academy
Cardinal Spellman Hall
565 Broadway

OAKLAND, NJ
November 17 from 4:30pm to 7pm and
November 18 from 9am to 2pm.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church - Connors Hall
117 Franklin Ave
201-337-7596

BURBANK, IL,
Dec. 8, 2007, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dec. 9, 2007, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Queen of Peace High School
7659 S. Linder
Contact: Michelle Helson, Campus Minister
708.458.7600, ext. 240
helsonm “at” queenofpeacehs.org

BALTIMORE, MD
December 11 and 12, 10 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Catholic Relief Services
228 W. Lexington St.
Contact: Katy Cantrell, 410.951.7301

Are you having a sale that I didn’t post? Make a comment on our blog and add the info!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 7th, 2007 and is filed under Chocolate, Coffee, Events, Fair Trade, crafts . You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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9 Responses to “Only 49 shopping days until Christmas”

  1. Jackie Says:
    November 8th, 2007 at 1:08 pm

    I missed two events organized by one of our Ambassadors in the Chesapeake, Virginia area! If you are a neighbor, check them out:

    Annual Fair Trade Festival- Saturday Dec 1st; 10 AM- 10PM; Sunday Dec 2nd 10AM- 5 PM; at the Downtown Farmers Market ( next to the Mall).

    For more information, contact Neil Walsh at np.walsh “at” verizon.net or 625 6763×19

    A Fair Trade Dinner will be held at Sacred Heart at 7 PM on Friday, Nov 30th, the night before the Festival. There will be entertainment, and some “ sneak previews”. Suggested Donation is $10 advance, $12 at the door. Enjoy a delicious meal prepared with Fair Trade foods. Sponsored by the Tidewater Sowers of Justice and the J&P Committee. See the kiosk for more information, or contact Neil Walsh, or Kim Williams ( 423 5420, or at kristinsadler “at” gmail.com)

  2. Carmen Graciaa Says:
    November 8th, 2007 at 3:06 pm

    Atlanta, Georgia
    Immaculate Heart of Mary School will sponsor three Work of Human Hands sales. This is a service project of the 8th grade class:
    Saturday, November 17 at St. Pius X High School Marketplace; 9 am - 3pm
    Sunday, December 2 at IHM School; 9 am- 1 pm
    Sunday, December 9 at Holy Cross Church; 8:30 am- 12:30 pm

  3. Stephanie Bosse Says:
    November 9th, 2007 at 1:11 pm

    Melbourne, Florida
    Ascension Parish will sponsor a Work of Human Hands Sale (including crafts, chocolates and coffee):
    Saturday, November 24 8:30am-4:30pm
    Sunday, November 25 - 8:30am-2:30pm
    Contact Mary Kay Kantz at 321-253-4504

  4. Stephanie Bosse Says:
    November 9th, 2007 at 1:12 pm

    Winter Park, Florida
    St. Margaret Mary will host a Work of Human Hands Sale (crafts):
    Saturday Dec. 1 - 12:00pm-6:00pm
    Sunday Dec. 2 12:00pm-6:00pm
    Contact, Mary Ann Gilbert, 407-647-3392

  5. Stephanie Bosse Says:
    November 9th, 2007 at 1:19 pm

    Ormond Beach, Florida
    Prince of Peace Parish will host there second annual “Fair Trade Cafe”. The evening will include musical guest, Steve Angrisano feature skits from local high school students, Martha Gaynoe from CRS will be speaking and a variety of other informational, interactive activities.

    The evening will feature a Work of Human Hands handcraft sale, Fair Trade coffee for purchase and Divine Chocolate.

    The evening lasts from 4:00pm (begining with a youth mass) until 9:00pm, with the concert going from 7:30-9:00pm.

    Enjoy giving with conscience in a coffee house atmosphere!!

  6. Stephanie Bosse Says:
    November 9th, 2007 at 1:20 pm

    For the aforementioned Prince of Peace sale, contact, Mike Buckler,
    386-672-5272 ext. 22
    pre-registration would be greatly appreciated!

  7. Stephanie Bosse Says:
    November 9th, 2007 at 1:34 pm

    Students at UCF will sponsor a Work of Human Hands sale (including coffee, chocolate and crafts)
    Tues. November 27 - 10am-2pm
    Thurs. November 29 - 10am-2pm

    The sale will be held in the HPA Building, contact: Erin Harvey 407-625-4668

  8. Ed Donahue Says:
    November 26th, 2007 at 10:27 am

    St. Patrick’s Parish
    4351 Parnell Ave.
    Ada, MI
    616.691.8541

    Hosting a Work of Human Hands Sale on December 2nd, 2007 from 8:30AM until 12:30PM in the Parish Center.
    Contact Ed Donahue 616.874.9528 or ejd “at” iserv.net for details.

  9. Jackie Says:
    November 29th, 2007 at 7:28 pm

    This just in:

    The St. Walter Peace and Social Justice Ministry is hosting a Fair Trade Bazaar/Work of Human Hands Sale from Saturday, December 1 (6:00 pm to 8:00 pm) to Sunday, December 2 (8:00 am to 2:00 pm) in St. Francis Hall, 201 W. Maple, Chicago area.

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