Fair Trade Vancouver Blog

Earlier in the year, Mark Abbott, one of the more beloved members of Fair Trade Vancouver, left for Toronto to become the new Director of People at Engineers Without Borders. Not only is it exciting to see one of Fair Trade Vancouver’s own make his way into such an esteemed position, but it’s also great to have his support at a national level.

Recently, Mark posted an EWB feature video where he introduces audiences to the Fair Trade system and EWB’s approach to engaging Canadians in this issue — and he does it all while sporting a Fair Trade Vancouver “Go Bananas for Fair Trade” T-shirt!

Some of this year's Holiday Fair & Gala vendors will include:

Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages is North America’s largest and oldest Fair Trade organization, celebrating 65 years of long-term, direct relationships with over 100 artisan groups in more than 35 countries. Ten Thousand Villages extensive Fair Trade product line features hand-crafted jewellery and personal accessories, natural home décor, and food and skin care products that celebrate both cultural traditions and environmental responsibility

Vastu Chai

Vastu Chai was created in 2004 from a passion for high quality tea and a desire to offer an ethically sourced & intentionally grown tea line to enthusiasts. Our Traditional Masala, is a blend of loose leaf black tea and eight different spices based on my family recipe, which has, over time, evolved into a rich, perfectly balanced chai masala. The recipe was inherited from my mum, passed on to her from my grandmother and great-grandmother, who all originate from the state of Gujarat in Western India.

World Folk Art

http://www.worldfolkart.com/

Since 1990 World Folk Art Imports has been privileged to work with artisans in developing countries. Fair wages are paid and we work with recycled, reusable textiles and materials which are ethically sourced. We remain steadfast in our commitment to preserving artisan’s traditional skills, all the while promoting sustainable, renewable resources.

Here's a brief glimpse at this years Holiday Fair & Gala Vendors:

Namasthe

Our actions should embellish the Earth, nourish our communities, enlighten our Spirit & inspire our Children! Namasthé endeavours to be the first tea company that creates nourishment in all aspects of our operations. It is just our Nature!

ONEbean Coffee

The ONEbean Coffee Company helps non-profit and community organizations raise funds through coffee sales. We support our business partners with long-term, easy to use fundraising strategies. We use responsibly sourced certified products; we want to make a positive, lasting impact on the families that grow our coffee. We are committed to taste and flavour, using the highest quality, 100% Arabica, freshly roasted beans.

Saul Gifts

Saul Good is a man on a mission. He is a merchant of stories. He builds relationships the old-fashioned way: with top-quality service, great products, and attention to details. Saul Good’s passion is to create amazing gifts filled with messages and meaning. Our stylish reusable boxes contain the freshest, best tasting and locally sourced artisan products that BC has to offer. They have a way of bringing people together, and connecting them to a bigger circle of shared experiences. Everything is chosen with scrupulous ethics, keeping our community and environment top of mind. 100% all good!

What's happening at this year's Holiday Fair & Gala:

EcoFair

EcoFair Trading is a small fair trade importer and distributor based in Port Moody. As strict fair traders, they trade directly with 9 producer groups in 6 countries, all members and fair trade certified organizations of the WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization) and/or the Fair Trade Federation. EcoFair sells 100+ eco-friendly fair trade handicrafts, many made from recycled found materials that are completely finished in the home country.

Ethical Bean

Located in Vancouver BC, Ethical Bean roasts only the best Fairtrade Certified, Organic Coffee. As a company we pride ourselves in being both just, and better, in everything that we do. Whether through programs that respect the earth and its farmers or by leaving a minimal environmental footprint, we are constantly seeking new ways to do the right thing. just. better. isn’t just our tagline, it’s the standard by which we live and breathe.

Fair Trade Brokers

Our mission is to bring you Fair Trade certified food products at a reasonable price, often only slightly higher than their conventional counterpart. Most of FTB's products come from Oxfam Fairtrade, (a part of Oxfam International based out of Gent, Belgium). FTB is an important component for developing countries, supporting sustainable partnerships that provide a decent income for marginalized producers. You can find our products in grocery stores and coffee shops across Canada.