If you’re looking for a unique gift to put under the Christmas tree this year, you may want to head to Hanover.
The 7th Annual Ten Thousand Villages Sale is wrapping up today at the Hanover Mennonite Church.
Organizer Marlene Baker says not only can you buy beautiful handmade items, but you’ll also be supporting artisans in third world countries.
Ten Thousand Villages is a member of the International Free Trade Association.
Baker says direct personal contact is made with artisans in more than thirty countries, who are then given the opportunity to sell their work for a fair price.
She says it all started in 1946 when a woman visiting Africa saw woven baskets that she thought would be popular in North America.
Baker says Hanover Mennonite Church hopes to sell 60 per cent of the products they’ve been shipped – sales that would total about 14-thousand dollars.
Baker says this year the items for sale include musical instruments, pottery, baskets, jewelry, toys, Christmas decorations, nativity scenes, and fair trade coffee and chocolate.
She says the prices at the sale are very comparable to what you find in stores – but these items are unique and your money directly supports the artist.
Baker says by buying these pieces, the artisans who made them can support their families with their work.
She says it’s very different from being handed a donation and helps give people a sense of dignity.
The sale has been on at Hanover Mennonite Church since Thursday and continues today from 9 AM to 4 PM.
The Ten Thousand Villages Sale comes to Owen Sound November 30th to December 9th and will be held at St. Thomas Anglican Church.