Please direct media inquiries to:
Karen E. Denny Director - Fund Development Phone: 403.206.0287 Fax: 403.221.8791 karend@cupscalgary.com
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Past Annual Reports: 2008 Annual Report | 2007 Annual Report
Fair Trade in Our Backyard
Martin Swanson used to work for a fair trade organization that represented the work of artisans from Nepal. The experience got him thinking about fair trade at home. Now he volunteers at CUPS, leading an crafts cooperative comprised of low-income Calgary families. In talking about the subject with CUPS Early Intervention Program’s child psychologist, Dr. Sonya Vellett, Martin became inspired to apply the principles of fair trade on a local level. The co-op provides individuals with training in craft production, a fair wage, and a safe work environment. Participants also get technical support (CUPS provides sewing machines, for instance) and encouragement in developing a commercially-viable craft-based business. The co-op got under way in November 2009. Martin approached a couple of local firms, Maria Tomás and Chintz & Company for donated materials; both firms came through with high-quality designer fabrics. The first project produced organic cotton baby blankets, which were sold through Nature Babies in the Calgary Farmers Market. That success inspired Martin to think about the Christmas retailing season: the next project resulted in a batch of unique Christmas tree ornaments, which were sold through Space Untitled. Owner of Space Untitled, Gale LeBlanc, was pleased to get involved with the cooperative when Martin approached her. “It’s a way of giving back,” she said. “I’m also a single mom, so I have compassion for these moms and what they’re going through.” She added that CUPS’ support of the program was helpful; the work of CUPS in helping individuals and families overcome poverty was recognized and approved by many of her customers. She’s excited by Martin’s prototype for the co-op’s new bag project, and expects they will be well-received by her customers as well. Martin sees the co-op benefitting participants in a number of ways. “They’re learning marketable skills. They’re developing healthy positive team-building skills while sharing a common goal. An important by-product of this endeavour is their personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.” With the support of the CUPS Family Centre, adults and their children also receive nutritious meals, and childcare is available while parents are working on their products, in a safe and stimulating environment with other young children. Ultimately he hopes that the co-op experience will allow the participants to build their own family businesses. On top of all these benefits, the co-op is approaching the break-even point. Support from Calgary businesses and consumers suggests that many of them believe in fair trade in their own backyard. Below: some of the Christmas ornaments produced in the CUPS Crafts Cooperative's 2009 campaign.
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