Fair trade shop turns 65

Olga Nickel of Ten Thousand Villages in Langley, is inviting the public to join her for 65th anniversay celebrations on Saturday, Oct. 1. The day will include a cake cutting ceremony at noon and entertainment by Shirika, an African music ensemble, at 12:30 p.m. Ten Thousand Villages is located at 20525 Fraser Hwy.

Brenda ANDERSON/Langley Times

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Ten Thousand Villages, a pioneer in fair trade through the sale of unique handicrafts from around the world, is celebrating its 65th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 1 with day of exciting events.

When Edna Ruth Byler first brought Puerto Rican needlework to North America in 1946, the term Fair Trade did not exist. Her volunteer project to provide market access for artisans spearheaded the Fair Trade movement in North America and eventually evolved into what has become Ten Thousand Villages.

On Oct. 1, Ten Thousand Villages stores and Festival Sales across Canada, including Langley, will celebrate with displays, videos, gift basket draws and refreshments. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to tell stories, answer questions and to serve Ten Thousand Villages limited edition Celebration Blend coffee.

“Ten Thousand Villages has been a presence in Langley for eight years, thanks to hundreds of volunteers from our community,” said Langley store manager Olga Nickel.

“It is very exciting to be showcasing and celebrating our amazing history.”

For more information about Ten Thousand Villages 65th anniversary celebrations contact Nickel at 604-534-3868  or email langley@villages.ca or visit www.TenThousandVillages.ca.

Ten Thousand Villages is the oldest and largest Fair Trade organization in North America. Through a network of 48 stores, as well as through hundreds of festival sales and E-shopping, Ten Thousand Villages Canada sells artisan-crafted personal accessories, home decor and gift items from around the globe.

The stores create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products to markets through long-term, fair trading relationships.

Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit program of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), the relief and development agency of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in North America.