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By Mary MacDonald

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Ten Thousand Villages Atlantic Festival Sales is proud to be part of this year's Multicultural Rendezvous hosted by MAGMA. For the first time ever the two have teamed up to bring the largest Fair Trade sale this area has ever seen. Some of the products you will see at the festival sale include home and garden décor, jewelry, coffee, chocolate, toys, books, glassware and ceramics.

"This is the first time we have brought Ten Thousand Villages to this type of outdoor event, we are looking forward to seeing our regular supporters as well as introducing our products to a new clientele," says Linda Bunnett, manager of Ten Thousand Villages store in Petitcodiac.

What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, and developing equanimity in international trade.

This trade model contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers from around the world.

When a product is purchased using the Fair Trade model, the price the producer receives covers not only the market cost of the item, it covers the cost of production and cost of living. Fair Trade companies also provide social premiums towards community development as well as access to credit for purchasing equipment and other things the community may need. Companies like Ten Thousand Villages maintain long term, stable contracts with their artisans and producers and offer market access that would otherwise be unreachable.

By working with a Fair Trade organization, producers and their families have access to education and health services. Fair Trade requires building a relationship with a community, and helping to ensure the workers are having their basic human rights met. Producers and artisans who sell their products through a Fair Trade network receive on average three times more than they would through conventional sales. This empowers people, especially women because they now have their own money to properly provide for their families. This allows them to have a better lifestyle and help others in their community, earning them respect and a chance to be involved in community decision making.

On Friday, June 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. you can come and experience the world of Fair Trade for yourself at the Multicultural Rendezvous World Market in Victoria Park. A weekend festival pass is only $5 and children under 12 are free. If you would just like to visit the Fair Trade World Village there will be free admission Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Please come and support Ten Thousand Villages, your purchase really DOES make a difference. For more information regarding the company and products please visit tenthousandvillages.ca.