Fair Trade Fest offers handmade crafts, charity

Students purchased and combed through piles of colorful jewelry, holiday decorations and other handmade crafts Thursday in an effort to help support economically-challenged countries. The Fair Trade Festival, held in the Indiana Memorial Union, gave consumers the opportunity to buy works of art shipped from countries around the world and help artisans, mostly women from impoverished regions, make money to support themselves and their families. \n"They have no other way to make an income," said senior Meghan Cutsumbis, the vice president of IU Students in Free Enterprise. "Most of the money goes to clothing, housing, education and food." \nThe artwork came from more than 30 countries, including Peru, India, Vietnam and Guatemala. Items ranged from a $2 "motivational rock" to a large hand-carved nativity scene priced at $140. But variety is not the only reason people should stop by the festival, Cutsumbis said.\n"You're not only getting a very unique product," she said. "You're also helping someone out."\nThe fair trade movement was very popular in Europe in the past, and in the last decade it has also become prevalent in the United States. It's begun to gain momentum among the younger generation, which is becoming more socially aware of others' needs, Cutsumbis said. The festival was brought to the campus in an attempt to expose students to this type of business, she said. \nThe products on sale at the festival came from an Indianapolis fair trade company called Global Gifts, which keeps only enough money to cover the overhead costs and to keep the store running. All employees are volunteers, so more of the money goes back to the artisans to help attain the original goal of helping these people support themselves, Cutsumbis said. \nGraduate student Karin Ekholm said she enjoyed shopping at fair trade events because a larger percent goes back to the countries than in retail. \n"It's very important to know that people are making a fair wage off of their art," Ekholm said. \nJunior Rachel Wenzler came looking for Christmas presents for family and friends. She said she was impressed by the selection and was happy to help a good cause with her purchases.\n"Pretty much anything you want, we have," Cutsumbis said. "It's the gift that gives twice." \nThe No. 1 seller during the event were the lacquer-coated, painted River Rocks from Vietnam, priced $7, Cutsumbis said. \nTwo more sales will be held this week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the University Baptist Church on Third Street. \nThe volunteers said they hope to sell $12,000 in merchandise over the three days. \nItems are also available online at www.tenthousandvillages.com