My Nonprofit Reviews

A Birthday, A Question, An Action - All Lead To A First Sip of Clean Water

It is rare when a woman meets a significant birthday and dares to start something brand new, not to better herself in looks or wealth, but to help others. Stacey Horowitz is one of those women. In one short year, her vision has brought her partnership with UNICEF, the support of the band Barenaked Ladies and even has a celebrity following her on Twitter.

I first heard about Shopping for a Change®, when I admired a friend's beautifully crafted necklace. I was so enthralled by the story and concept that I was invited to sit in a Board Meeting the following month and have been a part of the organization since then. This non-profit organization, is a fair trade marketplace where artisans, predominantly women from developing countries, sell their handmade creations, and enables them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. Our net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as select U.S.-based charities who raise funds for their causes when their supporters shop our site.

During our inaugural year, our 2011community improvement project abroad was the Tibane Water Project in Swaziland, Africa. Shopping for a Change, together with Unicef, and Water Gives Life--an Australian nonprofit), provided a community of over 400 people, clean water for the first time. This new water system is expected to service the people of Tibane and nearby Homesteads for 20 years. When we saw photos of their first taste of fresh water, it brought tears to our eyes.
Our first project for 2012 will be to provide a year’s salary for one teacher in the Enkutoto-Elangata-Enterit Group Ranch in Kenya, where our artisans with The Leakey Collection reside. Imagine purchasing beautifully crafted jewelry, accessories and apparel and benefiting those who are working for a better life at the same time. Please be part of the change by Shopping For A Change.

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