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Fredericton Mennonites are making a difference in the lives of artisans around the world by selling exquisite, handcrafted gifts and home décor. The event, to be held at Wilmot United Church, 473 King St., offers an opportunity for citizens of Fredericton to make a difference by shopping fair trade. Shoppers will also learn more about skilled artisans in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In its 10th year, the sale will showcase a beautiful assortment of musical instruments, pottery, jewelry, baskets, toys, crèches and hand-loomed textiles.

Asha Handicrafts Association is an artisan group from India. Asha, which means "hope" in Sanskrit, was started in 1975. Professionals provide techinal training, product design and marketing assisitance as well as medical and financial help to over 100 groups, (representing 6,000 artisans), in 19 towns and villages. Asha's work has encouraged the growth of cottage industries, assisting once impoverished individuals and families towards self-sufficiency. Asha continues to work with artisan groups to ensure safe working conditions. Money is made available for inprovements, with priority given to safe drinking water, safe electrical wiring and clean air for stonecutters and woodworkers. Recently Asha has initiated a number of eco-friendly projects while educating the artisans on envieromental concerns. For those families who cannot afford to send their children to school, Asha provides yearly scholarships covering school fees, uniforms and books.

Mohammed Ayaz in Sarai Tarin is a second-generation artisan with Asha Handicrafts. He remembers that as a youngster his father could not make enough money and the family often had to go without meals. When he was done high school he joined his father in supporting the family and a few years later , they joined Asha Handicrafts.

Now Mohammed heads up the family business and has been able to hire a number of permanent artisans. Their workshop has seen steady growth with 75 per cent of their sales coming through Asha. The Asha network has resulted in growth, which benefits not only Mohammed and his family, but also the other artisans at the workshop.

"We can do more together than apart," says Mohammed Ayaz.

Ten Thousand Villages works with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed, or underemployed. We provide vital, fair income to these producers by selling their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. This income helps pay for food, education, healthcare, and housing. Ten Thousand Villages works with over 120 different artisans groups from more than 30 countries across the globe.

"By holding this sale, we're giving customers in Fredericton a chance to buy unique products while helping people in developing countries to meet basic needs for themselves and their family. Together we are making a difference," says Jill Bateman, sale organizer.

The sale will take place on Friday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All proceeds of the sale support artisans partnered with Ten Thousand Villages, the oldest and largest Fair Trade Organization in North America, (over 60 years). The sale owes its success to dedicated local volunteers.

For more information on the Fredericton sale, contact Jill Bateman at 459-5685.