How to go
What: 10th annual Fair Trade Sale Catholic Relief Services
Where: St. Peter Church, 6161 Chambersburg Road, Huber Heights
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. next Saturday
Cost: Free
More info: (937) 233-1503 or www.saintpeterparish.org
The annual tradition is 10 years strong, and growing every year. Christmas purchases from Catholic Relief Services’ Fair Trade Sale also grow something else. The hope and economic strength of artisans and farmers from 32 countries. The 10th Annual Fair Trade Sale has grown so much, it’s outgrown the space required for the event. This year’s sale will take place on Dec. 7 in the spacious Fr. Reis Center at St. Peter Church in Huber Heights.
“Since 2005, the CRS Fair Trade Sale has been one of the largest in the country, and for the past three years the Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade Sale has been the largest sale by a wide margin,” said Courtney Lare, Economic Justice Program Officer with Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade. “Just last year over $15,000 in fair trade products were purchased, meaning nearly $1,000 was donated back to the CRS Fair Trade Fund so farmers and artisans in 32 countries were able to support their families, and to live and work with dignity.”
Those items purchased include home decor, jewelry, scarves, handbags, toys, and books, along with food items like candy, coffee, tea and cocoa. Also, many Christmas decorations are available like ornaments and creches. All of these products are sourced from a nonprofit fair trade organization to ensure respect for the men and women who grow or create these items. CRS partners with SERRV and Equal Exchange to make this event a success.
“Catholic Relief Services and SERRV are extremely grateful to all those that make this sale happen,” said Lare. “Thank you for standing in solidarity with our low-income brothers and sisters around the world.”
This annual sale was the brainchild of St. Albert parishioners Cheryl Griffin and Susie Hogue, who were inspired by a JustFaith program ten years ago to give back. For the first year, the regional sale was held at their home parish. The sale and its popularity grew and expanded to the Bergamo Retreat Center during the past eight years.
“Not only are we buying lovely gifts for our family and friends, but we also are helping moms and dads around the world give things to their children that we believe will always be available in our country. Things like food on the table, clean water in the glass and education for a better future,” said Pam Long, Regional Director of the Catholic Social Action Office in Dayton.
CRS also works with Weavers of Justice, a parish social justice collaborative in Dayton. Eleven parishes in the greater Dayton area, all members of the Weavers of Justice, joined together to create the Fair Trade Sale: St. Peter, St. Albert, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, St. Charles Borromeo, Precious Blood, Queen of Apostles, St. Francis, St. Helen, St. Luke, Holy Trinity and Ascension. The parishes all have the same goal in mind.
“From the beginning this sale has always been about being more than a shopping experience, it is about standing in solidarity with the artisans and farmers who produce the goods,” said Long. “This year, for instance, shoppers who purchase an item from the Philippines will be encouraged to hold the people of that country devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan in prayer throughout the year as Filipinos mourn their lost family and friends and rebuild their country.”
In addition to supporting Fair Trade products, local shoppers can stop at booths offering items promoting the work of missions or resettled refugee groups in the Archdiocese.
“This is a day to shop with our friends, and also carry with us a well-formed conscience, to be confident that we are socially responsible with our spending,” Long said.
A new feature of this year’s sale is that shoppers will be able to stay at the sale and buy lunch, thanks to parishioners at St. Peter’s. The menu will include a variety of sandwiches like chicken salad and tuna salad, with vegetable soup, chips, desserts and beverages.
International groups will entertain and award-winning songwriter Nick Cardilino will stroll through the crowd, strumming on his guitar. Orgullo Mexicano, a Mexican dance troupe, will perform at 10 a.m. and a Rwandan dance group will perform at noon.
“As Pope Benedict XVI reminded us, ‘It is good for people to realize that purchasing is always a moral and not simply economic act,’” Long said.
About the Author