Fair Trade LA @ Homeboy Industries’ “every angeleno counts” 5k

 

rHope was so privileged to join Fair Trade LA and be part of their booth along with Laurel from Vida Verde at the Homeboy Industries’ “every angeleno counts” 5k Saturday October 18.

The walk had over 2,000 runners/walkers, food, a climbing wall, merchandise booths,  artists from all over LA displaying their works and more. Every volunteer and participant was smiling because they were running for hope and part of something that offers a chance.

Homeboy Industries supports people like Thomas. Thomas was working in the stall next to me.  He has grown up in Florence, in and out of gangs and prison much of his life. Ultimately he is thinking of his two year old daughter and wants a better life for her. How can he do that if people won’t hire him or give him a chance? Homeboy Industries is one of the only places for rehabilitation. They work with high risk, formerly gang involved men and women and provide services and paid job training. The founder of Homeboy Industries, Father Boyle set out 25 years ago, to provide jobs and education as alternatives to  gang life.  Over 120,000 former gang members and formerly incarcerated individuals have passed through Homeboy Industries and have changed their lives for the better.

Homeboy Industries tag line is “products with a purpose” which is in line with rHope and Fair Trade LA. We support artisan families, pay them a decent living wage and provide safe working conditions.  We also offer “products with a purpose”. Look for Homeboy industries products at Farmers Markets, grocery stores, have brunch at Homegirl Café, buy a t-shirt and/or remember that we all deserve a second chance and are capable of great things.

New Fair Trade LA bags made by rHope

We here at rHope are so happy to have worked with Fair Trade LA to create customized, stylish  jute bags for them. Partnering with Fair Trade LA was synergistic since we are both about empowering artisans and consumers to purchase products made using fair trade practices.

These bags are double sided.  One side has the Fair Trade LA logo and the back has the message “Choose Fair Trade LA Join the Movement”.  The bags are eco-friendly, vegan and sustainable. The bags are made from an organic fiber that is natural and biodegradable.

You can pick up one of these snazzy functional bags at the Fair Trade LA Booth at the Green Festival at the Convention Center Sept 12-14, 2014.

Here you can see the women from our partner organization Chhoti Si Asha making the bags. They had a great time and were happy to earn money to support their families. The  women we work with are impoverished and live in slums in India. Most are uneducated and have less access to paid opportunities. Orders and purchases like these, help the women and their families raise their standard of living in a holistic way through skill training, income generation, financial management, access to health care, and education for them and their families.

Thanks to Fair Trade LA for this order. We hope all of us together, can empower women, enrich the lives of those struggling in poverty and offer hope.  We look forward to seeing you this weekend at the Fair Trade LA booth at the Green Festival!