Partners for Just Trade

A project of the Hunger Program of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, and Joining Hands/Peru

June, 2006

Dear Friends,

Have you ever wished you could do more than send a check to have a long-range impact on poverty? Have you ever wanted to know more about the artisan who produced your purchase? The Presbyterian Hunger Program allows you to do both, through its Joining Hands project. Begun in 2000, Joining Hands helps establish solidarity between Presbyterians in the United States and networks of churches and community groups in third world countries. The goal is to know one another in person through mission trips and collaborate in ways to enhance the quality of life in a particular country.

The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy is joined with Peru in promoting economic progress for those living in extreme poverty, reducing environmental and industrial contamination, and providing assistance for victims of violence. For the economic focus, members collaborate with the Bridge of Hope fair trade cooperative in Peru and help Peruvian artisans generate income. Artisans are taught basic design and business skills and given help in developing and selling high quality, marketable handicrafts locally and internationally.

In the United States, our non-profit Partners for Just Trade markets these unique and colorful Peruvian handicrafts and educates consumers, particularly on the meaning of fair and just trade. Each product has an interesting story about the artisans and how fair trade income is improving their lives.

Local congregations play a vital role in the successful sales of our Peruvian products. If your congregation would like to help the artisans, please order a Christmas Box of these unique and useful products for sale at your Alternative Giving Fair or Holiday Bazaar. Your “Peru Table” will be a popular and colorful gathering place for many customers.

Note the August 31 deadline for placing your order and paying a deposit. The deposit provides capital for our artisans to begin production. You can view a sampling of the items in the Bridge of Hope catalog at the Fair Trade Peru Web site. Additional new items are also in production.

Order a Box soon and know that you will have some exciting and creative new additions to your Christmas sale. And know that your participation in The Christmas Box Project gives employment to Peruvian families who take pride in their work and are appreciative of your reaching out to them to Join Hands. If you have questions, please email us at the St. Louis office. Thank you.

Christmas boxes order form