Ten Thousand Villages - 624 Chilver Road - Windsor - Ontario

Fair Trade and St. Valentine - A Great Pair!

2011-01-27T16:34:00.000-05:00

Ten Thousand Villages at Willistead Manor

2010-12-09T20:49:00.000-05:00

We are privileged to have been chosen to provide some of our beautifully handcrafted items which are included in the wonderful Christmas Holiday displays at one of Windsor’s historic homes. Be sure to visit Willistead … and drop into our Windsor store, just two blocks North of Willistead Park and Manor, where you will be amazed at our varied selection of gifts from around the world.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Brown

Christmas at the Manor on now!

Sundays, December 5, 12, 19 from 1 - 4 p.m. and Wednesdays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 7 - 9 p.m. - $5 admission

IN THE MANOR & COACH HOUSE ... 1899 Niagara Street (at Kildare Street, Windsor)
Come see the Manor in all its holiday glory! The Friends of Willistead plan this event all year long. All rooms are decorated with beautiful holiday themes. Knowledgeable tour guides will be on hand to give you information about the Manor as well as answer your questions. Groups of 25 or more may book a private tour through the office.
It's a great way to get yourself into the holiday spirit! See you there!

7th Annual Olde Walkerville Holiday Walkabout – Fri. Nov. 19 & Sat. Nov.20, 2010

2010-11-18T15:03:00.001-05:00

START YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING EARLY

Celebrate at this popular neighbourhood event as we prepare for the Christmas Holiday season. There's something for everyone ... but for the really special gifts from around the world be sure to visit the Ten Thousand Villages Windsor store. In addition to the beautifully handcrafted gifts, don't forget to arrange for a Living Gift To read more about Living Gifts ... click here... and remember that your purchases will make a difference for our artisan partners ... (and we can tell you who made your gift purchase and where it came from).

Friday – the store will open at its regular time: 10:00 am – the special Holiday Walk activities will take place from 4 pm until 9 pm. Saturday, the store will be open from 10 am to 6 pm; with Holiday Walk activities throughout the day.

Santa and his elves will be at the store from 6 pm until 8 pm on Friday; on Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm and again from 4 pm to 6 pm.

In addition to our special displays for holiday gift giving: there will be a draw for a Gift Basket (customers will receive a ballot with purchases); we will be serving our superb Fair Trade Hot Chocolate, Coffee and Cookies (as a small gift to you); an artist will be painting unique designs on hands with Henna (for a modest charge). From 2 to 2:30 pm on Saturday our story tellers will enthral their listeners with Story Time for Kids (4+).

On Sunday we will be open at our usual hours, from noon until 4 pm ... there will be Sunday session of Story Time for Kids from 2 until 2:30pm.

Floods in Pakistan affecting our artisan partners

2010-08-26T15:56:00.000-04:00

We have been reading, hearing and seeing pictures about the terrible catastrophe which has literally swept down upon the people of Pakistan, you may even have relatives or friends whose lives have been impacted.

At Ten Thousand Villages we have artisan partners who are affected, they are in some ways part of our extended family; for with us and many other Fair Trade organizations, Fair Trade is different … we talk a lot about paying a fair wage but in the wake of a natural disaster like this, the other aspects of Fair Trade can really be seen. Bunyaad, the artisan group supplying us with rugs, includes more than 820 families in 100 villages around Lahore, Pakistan; they have implemented a support plan to assist artisans with rebuilding some vital needs, such as food and lost wages. With the rugs on looms in these regions, damage will be covered by the artisan group and assistance will be given to the family once they are back in their homes to help them get back to work quickly. Village supervisors in this region along with Bunyaad’s staff will quickly help to replace looms that have been lost in the flood. You can read about this by linking to copies of reports from Ten Thousand Villages Rug Program Director, Yousaf Chaman … Read more ...

Many of you will remember that earlier this year Ten Thousand Villages Windsor held their annual Rug Event; we do not presently have rugs in our store, but rugs are available from our warehouse and if you are considering buying a rug, we invite you to consider buying your rug from Ten Thousand Villages, our prices are very reasonable and the quality is excellent. You may have read in one of Yousaf’s reports: … Nasir said: “Tell them to buy a rug. The more we can get our artisans back to work and keep them working full-time on the loom, the greater hopes these artisans have for rebuilding their communities and their lives.”

There are 444 rugs in the Canadian inventory stock … remember, we are a non-profit organization, primarily staffed by dedicated volunteers … our founding parent is Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), which has already responded to the disaster. We want to contribute to assist our artisan partners, so, if you drop into our store, we will help you navigate the Canadian Inventory list, so that you can select the size and type of rug you would like, and also see the patterns available. Our manager will explain about the arrangements for shipping and your approval process.

Before you search our online Canadian Inventory List take a moment to check out the links below. They will provide detailed information to help you as you browse. Additionally we have a list of answers to our most frequently asked customer questions.

• Types and Designs

• Determining Rug Size

• Frequently Asked Questions about Rugs

Please keep the people of Pakistan in your thoughts and prayers as they struggle for their existence.

School Kit Program - 2010

2010-07-29T22:12:00.000-04:00

Ten Thousand Villages in Canada and the USA has launched its 11th annual school supply drive in support of the program initiated by our founding organization, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). Each year, more than 100,000 school-age children whose lives have been interrupted by war, disaster and poverty receive a draw-string bag filled with new school supplies. “For many children this is one of the few times in their lives that they will get something new.” School kits are MCC’s most requested material resource and MCC has recently shipped these to countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Burundi, Jordan and Nicaragua as well as some poorly funded schools in Canada and the USA.

Since the Ten Thousand Villages Windsor store opened on Sandwich Street, and now on Chilver Road, each year we have collected kits for this drive. Each kit is packed in a hand-sewn fabric bag containing four notebooks, four unsharpened pencils, one set of twelve coloured pencils, one ruler and one large eraser.

As stated above, the kits include a draw string bag. We’d particularly like to encourage some of you to make some of these bags, they are not costly and the instructions are easily followed. Perhaps you and some of your friends can have a ‘sewing bee’. When finished, please deliver to the Ten Thousand Villages Windsor store at 624 Chilver Road where we will assemble complete kits from the notebooks, pencils, etc. which have been donated by others. Please note that all items must be new, we’d like to conclude our campaign within the next few weeks and if possible before the end of September.

Contents of a School Kit:

4 spiral or perforated notebooks (about 21.5cm x 27cm / 8.5in x 10.5in and 140 pages in Canada, (70 sheets U.S.) Notebook instructions: 70-80 sheets U.S./140-160 pages Canada - What's the difference between sheets and pages? In the U.S., notebook size is usually listed in sheets, which are actual sheets of paper. In Canada, notebook size is listed in pages, numbered like a book, with 2 pages per sheet of paper. A notebook numbered by pages needs to be double the number of a notebook numbered by sheets, so that the notebooks are a similar size
4 unsharpened pencils

1 ruler (flat, flexible plastic; indicating both 30cm and 12in)

12 coloured pencils (in packaging) (Note: Coloured pencils are often in packages of 24; unfortunately, we cannot use these)

1 large pencil eraser

For more information about MCC school kits, see http://mcc.org/kits/school/. The page offers more information with some links including: http://mcc.org/kits/bags#reg about making bags

A sincere ‘Thank you’ on behalf of the children who will receive your gift.

Walkerville's 8th Annual Art Walk - Friday & Saturday - July 16 & 17, 2010

2010-07-12T19:14:00.000-04:00

Ten Thousand Villages Windsor store is in good company in the Olde Walkerville neighbourhood. We are surrounded by unique stores and great restaurants and this weekend the people of the Windsor area are once again invited to stroll around the neighbourhood and visit with us. There will be special events and treats all over the place ... especially at Ten Thousand Villages, so be sure to drop in to see us ... we'll be open late on Friday (until 9pm) and all day Saturday (10am until 6pm) ... and the weather forecast looks good for a summer stroll.

If you can't make it on either of those two days, remember that we are open seven days each week. Sunday afternoon's we are open from 12 noon until 4pm. Drop in for a free cup of fair trade coffee or tea ... look around our very special store ... we believe that you won't find another like it in the Windsor area. All of our items are fair trade, from more than 68 countries around the world. Our artisan partners are highly skilled ... all of our products are handcrafted ... great gifts for yourself or that special someone.
...

Ten Thousand Villages and Windsor’s 2010 Canada Day Parade

2010-06-28T14:04:00.000-04:00

Windsor’s 2010 Canada Day Parade on Thursday, July 1st will be starting at 11 am in Olde Walkerville, at Wyandotte E & Devonshire Rd. The parade participants will march, hop, skip, jump and ride, and the bands will play as they proceed westerly to Wyandotte E and Glengarry. The people will line the route; they will cheer, applaud, laugh, wave, maybe play their vuvazela horn … but it will be fun as we joyously celebrate Canada’s 143rd birthday.

After the parade has passed we invite you to drop in to the Ten Thousand Villages store, which is on Chilver, just around the corner from The Old Town Sweet Shop (formerly the Peerless Ice Cream Store). We will be open from 10 am until 4 pm so that you can visit with us, share a cup of delicious Fair Trade coffee or tea and discover what is new among the wonderful handcrafted items which are displayed on our shelves, they are great for everyday or for those special gifts. Not only will our volunteers help you, they can tell you the stories about our artisan partners and the countries where they live. So, this Canada Day celebrate with us at Ten Thousand Villages.

the people from Ten Thousand Villages Windsor are looking forward to seeing you …

p.s: Our normal business hours are 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday and 12 noon to 4 pm on Sunday

...

Victoria Day - a day to celebrate!

2010-05-17T16:02:00.000-04:00

On Monday, May 24, 2010 our Windsor store will be closed, so that our staff can celebrate the holiday.

However, we will be OPEN as usual from 12 noon until 4 pm on Sunday, May 23rd. Why not go for a stroll or a ride and drop into our store for a friendly chat, look at the array of beautiful fair trade products from around the world and have a flavouful cup of fair trade coffee or tea? Its a great destination for a Sunday afternoon!

You'll all be happy to know that the sidewalk construction and road paving have been finished. Hooray!

World Fair Trade Day May 8, 2010

2010-04-26T16:02:00.000-04:00

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of small producers, artisans and farmers around the planet. Fair Trade with thousands of supporters aims to do just that. It is a concrete and efficient way to participate in the construction of a better world for several million small producers in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Be the change you wish to see in the world, Gandhi said. World Fair Trade Day 2010 is about people, organizations, producers, consumers, supporters and all those who share its goals about Fair Trade. But more importantly, it is about you. It is your day to draw attention to your power to change your community and your world for the better through Fair Trade. Together, we can improve the lives of small producers, farmers and artisans, around the world.

World Fair Trade Day is your day. Join millions of people celebrating and become the change you seek by voicing your support for Fair Trade. Help to spread the message around the world, change your consumption patterns, and participate in the Ten Thousand Villages Windsor BIG Bang World Fair Trade Day event on May 8th, 2010, 12 noon until 2:00 pm.

Bring your drum or any other portable percussion instrument and voices to have some fun and make a cheerful noise about fair trade! Our BIG Bang Event includes a drumming circle at the Jubilee Parkette and a social at the Ten Thousand Villages Windsor store with refreshments and comraderie as well as more information on fair trade. Our goal is to raise consciousness about endemic global poverty and the need for fair trade.

The BIG Bang will be at 12 noon, Saturday, May 8, 2010
Jubilee Parkette, Wyandotte St. E. at Kildare Road, just around the corner from Ten Thousand Villages, 624 Chilver Road, Windsor (Olde Walkerville).

Click here and turn up the volume to hear and see 22 seconds of drums for fair trade:

For more information call 519-255-1293 (ask for the Manager) email: windsor@villages.ca … or: mfcachon@uwindsor.ca

Jointly sponsored by:
The Global Resource Centre and Ten Thousand Villages Windsor.

ANNUAL RUG EVENT … MAY 7 TO 16, 2010

2010-04-19T15:45:00.002-04:00

Springtime Sale of Fair Trade Oriental Rugs

Thursday, May 7th from 10 am until Sunday, May 16th, 4pm
Open for regular store hours, or by special appointment.
At our Windsor store – 624 Chilver Road – 519-255-1293

Cherish the exceptional appeal of fairly traded oriental rugs with sumptuous natural fibres; singularly timeless designs; hand-knotted by gifted artisans. The high quality of fairly traded oriental rugs is born out of the principle of allowing artisans the freedom to design and craft their rugs allowing them to create their own patterns, choose their colors and determine the number of knots per square inch for each rug. The designs and quality are not often found in stores in the Windsor area, so you are invited to take advantage of this special limited time event at Ten Thousand Villages.

Our philosophy of helping to build a sustainable economic future for artisans is based on the principle that trade should have a conscience. Through Fair Trade, not only are consumers provided with well made, high quality products, but artisans receive the dignity, hope, and respect that comes from working hard and earning fair value for their craft.

Fair Trade produces quality, breeds empowerment, fuels creativity, and fosters respect and peace.

By purchasing a rug through Ten Thousand Villages, not only do you acquire a stunningly crafted piece of art, but you support lives, culture, and education in Pakistan.

Read more ... about the Fair Trade Difference

Remember the dates: May 7th until May 16th, 2010
.

ANNUAL RUG EVENT … MAY 7 TO 16, 2010

2010-04-19T13:36:00.004-04:00

Introduction to Oriental Rugs Seminar
Friday, May 7, 2010 - 7:00 pm at our Windsor store

At Ten Thousand Villages, we love to educate about the process of Oriental rug production and the artisans who craft our carpets. So we invite you to attend our: Introduction to Oriental Rugs Seminar, May 7th, 7:00 pm at our store.

Delve into the more than 500 year-old tradition of rug making with our free "Introduction to Oriental Rugs" seminar. Through an extremely complicated and arduous process of dyeing, designing, graphing, knotting, washing, drying, shearing, stretching, and so on, a striking variety of superior quality wool rugs with differing patterns and colours are produced, some even taking up to 16 months to create!

From time to time Ten Thousand Villages Canada and USA hosts annual learning tours where store managers and staff connect to artisan partners through visits to artisans' workshops and homes. We are fortunate that Lori Sager, from Ten Thousand Villages Canada will be present at our seminar. Lori visited Pakistan for 16 days in 2005 and will tell us about our skilled and gifted artisan partners, their work and the difference that your fair trade purchases make in the lives of the families and communities in which they live.

Spend an evening learning more about this fascinating process, from dyeing the wool to tying the fringes, and hear how Fair Trade works to produce high quality products while still offering competitive prices for North American consumers.

An event not to miss! Take time to learn more about how Oriental rugs are made, how fair trade impacts quality, different designs and styles, frequently asked questions and more. Enjoy!

Call the store at 519-255-1293 or email windsor@villages.ca to register for this free public seminar.

Read more: 'Rugs 101'

WE'RE SAVING A SEAT FOR YOU ... at our Annual Dinner, April 17th

2010-04-06T13:34:00.000-04:00

.... an Evening of Friendship, Fun and Food ... Saturday, April 17, 2010 ... at St. Angela's Church Hall, 750 Erie Street East, Windsor ... cocktails at 6 pm, dinner at 7 pm ... tickets $25 (tax receipt for $14 on request) ... menu: Garden Salad; Bean Salad; Tomato Basil Penne; Roast Herb Chicken; Roast Potatoes etc., ... music by: The James Gang ... Silent and Penny Auctions ... Door Prizes ...........

please order your tickets by Thursday, April 15th ... at the store ... call: 519-255-1293 or email: windsor@villages.ca

Meet the people who support Fair Trade and Ten Thousand Villages in Windsor ... looking forward to seeing you there!

STORY TIME FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, AGES 4, 5, 6 AND 7 YEARS

2010-03-15T15:59:00.000-04:00

Children certainly learn to say “……’s not fair!” pretty early in their lives …. usually when they are upset about having to do something.

Well, at Ten Thousand Villages we’d like to shed a little light onto something that we are passionate about and which we definitely think is fair …. it’s called ‘Fair Trade’. We’d particularly like it if some quite young children were to begin to understand something about the fascinating stories that lie behind ‘fair trade’; …. and, by the way, we think the parents will find this most interesting and fun too. So once a month, in the meeting room at our Windsor store, we present ‘Story Time with a Fair Trade Flair’. We have some great experienced story tellers: ‘Senorita Anita’ and her friend ‘Marji’.

Our next two story time sessions are at the end of the March Break week, on

Saturday, March 20th …
in the morning, from 11:00 to 11:30am …
in the afternoon, from 2:00 until 2:30pm

If you can, please call the store ahead of time at 519-255-1293, so we have some idea of how many will be coming. However, if you just decide to drop in with your kids we’ll be just as happy to see you all and help you and your offspring join in the fun. Definitely a case of … try it, you’ll like it!

While you are in the store, enjoy a cup of delicious fair trade coffee, or a cup of fair trade tea. It’s ‘on us’ …

Hoping to see you and your family members on Saturday, March 20th … invite your neighbours and friends to bring their children too!

A special event for you in ‘The Meeting Room’ at our store:

2010-03-10T19:11:00.000-05:00

The Global Resource Centre presents:
Dinner and Discussion - in our ‘Food For Thought’ series
Thursday, March 18th, 2010 – 6:30 to 9:30pm

Dr. Jamey Essex (University of Windsor – Dept. of Political Science)
‘Food Security & Development Aid: What We Need to Know.’
http://www.uwindsor.ca/polsci/dr-jamey-essex

Dr. Lynne Phillips (University of Windsor – Dept. of Anthropology, Sociology & Criminology)
‘Food Charters & Food Sovereignty: A Latin American Perspective.’
http://www.uwindsor.ca/sociology/lynne-phillips

Gourmet Dinner, catered by Janine Bratt of ‘Taste Bud Food’
http://www.tastebudfood.com/
(Vegetarian meal available by prior request to 519-255-1293)

Tickets: $15 – please RSVP by March 17th to 519-255-1293

Storytime with a fair trade flair

2010-02-16T20:57:00.000-05:00

lots of fun for children 4, 5 and 6 years of age

Saturday, February 20, 2009

two sessions:

in the morning from 11 to 11:30 am

in the afternoon from 2 to 2:30 pm

in the meeting room area at our store

parents are asked to accompany their children

pre-registration is required, please call 519-255-1293

Fair Trade Valentine Treats

2010-02-09T17:16:00.000-05:00

Looking for a special gift?

From now until Valentine's Day, Sunday, February 14 ... all necklaces over $50 are 25% off!

But - you are not restricted to necklaces, we have a fantastic selection of very attractive handmade items from our artisan partners around the world. There's sure to be something special for that special person in your life.

Don't forget that we also have a tasty selection of delicious chocolate, including something 'Divine' ...
dark chocolate with raspberries, and ...
white chocolate with strawberries

Treat your sweetheart to fair trade chocolate this weekend ... we are open on Sundays from noon until 4 pm.

...

Fair Trade from the Heart!

2010-02-05T14:45:00.000-05:00

Two special Fair Trade Chocolate events on Sunday, February 7, 2010

2010-01-25T17:47:00.000-05:00

Following our very successful "Chocolate Extravaganza" in August 2009, we are repeating it - just in time for your St. Valentine's preparations. We invite you to share your passion for delicious chocolate - discover new flavours - and enjoy special treats. We'll have chocolate from our two primary suppliers 'Cocoa Camino' and 'Divine Chocolate', both are Fair Trade. Cocoa Camino is a Canadian co-operative which sources its chocolate and sugar supplies from Central and South America. Divine chocolate is based in London but is part-owned by the co-operative cocoa producers in Ghana who supply the chocolate. Not only will you be able to sample these delicious treats, we'll also share some great chocolate recipes (we also have books for sale, choc full with chocolate recipes). Bring your sweetheart, or choose your sweet treat for the special person in your life. Sunday, February 7th from 12 noon until 4 pm. This is open to all.

In our meeting room at the store,

we will also be having a very special happening,

one you won't want to miss:

"St. Valentine's Chocolate and Wine Pairing"

where you will experience new love between old friends.

Pairings of wines and our Fair Trade chocolates will be selected by

Sommelier Sarah Dewar.

Cost: $10 per person (payable at the event) - BUT - pre-registration is required for

one of three sessions - starting at 1 pm; 2 pm; and 3 pm

(must be at least 19 yrs. of age)

to register, please call 519-255-1293 during store hours

Our Ten Thousand Villages Haitian partners.

2010-01-25T15:22:00.000-05:00

Haitians have an abundance of spirit and pride, and their determination is legendary. As the Haitian proverb goes, “Déyé món, gen món”: 'Behind the mountains there are more mountains'.

As you will all know, the recent earthquake that has devastated Haiti has taken a staggering toll in human lives, homes and infrastructure. Ten Thousand Villages has a partnership in Haiti with Comité Artisanal Haitien (CAH), a nonprofit marketing co-operative representing more than 800 Haitian artisans in some 170 workshops. Since 1972, they have exported crafts from individual artisans, co-operatives, groups and family businesses. The economic situation in Haiti has been bleak for a long time, it is now catastrophic and the need for income generation is great. For many, the money earned is not just supplemental income, but often the sole source of support and hope for the future for the artisans and their families.

We do not know what the future holds, but before the earthquake struck education was technically compulsory and free in Haiti, only about 40 percent of children were actually able to afford to go to school. Product sales through Ten Thousand Villages helped make schooling possible. Besides fair wages and advances on orders, artisans also receive financial assistance in case of health emergencies.

The parent organization of Ten Thousand Villages, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is responding to the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti recently by committing an initial $103,420 Cdn, and a total $1.03 million Cdn in aid in the near future.

Comité Artisanal Haitien (CAH) was originally founded by several church groups to help rural craftspeople sell their wares in Port-au-Prince and to help reduce the flow of migration from the countryside to the city, Comité Artisanal Haitien didn’t begin to flourish until Gisele Fleurant became director in 1980. With outside funding, they have been offering free programs where literacy, basic accounting, product costing and business management are taught. They were also hoping to establish a design centre, no doubt this hope is still there. CAH artisans sell their work through local tourist sales and for export through the fair trade market. In Canada their marketing partner is Ten Thousand Villages with its network of 50 stores and several Festival Sales.

Since the recent earthquake CAH director Gisèle Fleurant has been able to get in touch with the majority of those living outside of Port-au-Prince, but has only heard from roughly a quarter of those living in the capital city, all of whom have lost their homes but are otherwise okay.

Outside of Port-au-Prince, CAH’s cut metal artisans in Croix des Bouquets were not severely hit by the earthquake – all are okay, and none have lost houses. Artisans near Jacmel report that most of their workshops and homes have collapsed, while in the Leogane/Gressier area, all homes have fallen. No lives have been lost.

Our Fair Trade relationship is of vital importance in the face of such tragedy because it allows us to support in lasting ways the meaningful work that our partners are doing to restore and rebuild their communities. Your support is valued now more than ever. Our Windsor store has several items from Haiti, your purchase makes a difference.

Fleurant thanks all Ten Thousand Villages customers, volunteers and staff for the comfort offered by their continuing support and prayers.

Two special events at our store - 624 Chilver Road, Windsor

2010-01-12T15:38:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, January 16th 2010, Senorita Anita will tell stories for children (and their parents) from 11 to 11:30am. A fun time for all, especially the 4, 5 and 6 year olds who will not only enjoy the stories but also learn something related to our fair trade mission at Ten Thousand Villages. Please pre-register, for space is limited, call 519-255-1293.

Thursday evening, January 21st, 2010, 6:30pm to 9:00pm,

join us for another in our 'Food for Thought' series.

Film screening, discussion and a gourmet dinner (prepared by Taste Bud Food).

Please call ahead to reserve your seat, space is limited
and
we also need to know if you would prefer a vegetarian meal -
phone: 519-255-1293 or email: windsor@villages.ca.

This month's subject is:

Of course, we'll have our delicious fair trade coffee to enjoy while we are in discussion.

The New Year is almost here

2009-12-30T14:53:00.002-05:00

Best wishes for a healthy, joyful, creative New Year

full of just the right balances

of challenges and possibilities

We also have some specials in the store

such as:

Christmas Ornaments - buy one, get 50% off on the second one.

Don't forget, we are closed on Thursday, Dec. 31 and Friday, Jan. 1st.

I suppose it isn't too early to tell you that we'll be having a

Chocolate Extravaganza in February

watch this blog for details

Greetings to all of you!

2009-12-23T14:22:00.000-05:00

Whatever you own tradition

however you are involved with

we wish you a blessed

Christmas

Senorita Anita invites children to Story Time with a Fair Trade Flair

2009-12-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, December 19, 2009

11:00 am to 11:30 am

at the

Ten Thousand Villages Windsor store

624 Chilver Road

Parents are encouraged to accompany their children of 4, 5 and 6 years

Meet storyteller Senorita Anita

enjoy a taste of our delicious fair trade coffee or tea

check out our fantastic selection of gifts and Christmas decorations

Please pre-register for the storytime by calling 519-255-1293

or by e-mail to windsor@villages.ca

The clock is still ticking ... but we have some suggestions for you

2009-12-09T14:29:00.002-05:00

Christmas Ornaments

Ten Thousand Villages Windsor has an unmatched collection of Christmas tree ornaments, nativities and other seasonal decor. All fair trade, hand made and high quality ... with no child labour involved in their production.

Give your Christmas real meaning by decorating your home with fair trade products that allow artisans around the world to provide food, education, healthcare and housing for their families.

We have a significant number of brand new items from artisans in India, Nepal, Peru and many other countries, along with many of your favourite ornaments from years gone by. With a wide range of colours and designs, at prices to suit all budgets, we are the only place you need to visit for your holiday decorations! Classic glass balls, whimisical animals, exotic garlands, recycled materials ... we have it all!

Visit us soon so you can have the best choice from our selection.

'Living Gifts 2009' at Ten Thousand Villages Windsor store

2009-11-27T21:05:00.000-05:00

The Living Gift program is a program of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC); living gifts are available at the Ten Thousand Villages Windsor store. Make a 'Living Gift' part of your holiday tradition and feel the joy that comes from giving unique gifts that are truly life changing.

Give Care

For farming families around the world, tending animals is a job for everyone, from young to old. Your gift helps farming families develop healthy herds, broods or flocks. The meat, milk and eggs that animals provide can make a significant difference in helping families make ends meet. But owning a goat, pig or rabbit is only the first step. Success depends on developing skills to feed, care for and market animals. From teaching small animal management in Palestine and Kenya to introducing new ideas for raising goats in Bangladesh, MCC helps livestock producers and families learn methods to keep their animals healthy and productive. Your gift allows MCC to work alongside families and agricultural organizations to increase the opportunities that livestock can bring.$49 is the cost of a goat and its care in places like Bangladesh, Palestine and Kenya.

$398 helps fill a 'barnyard' witha animals and assists farm families to develop flocks and herds.

Give Education

In Wahadneh, Jordan, a Global Family-sponsored school brings together Christian and Muslim students to learn, play and build friendships. MCC’s Global Family education sponsorship program supports community-based education in more than 40 countries. In Nigeria, public education is free but there are no schools near the village of Ibianga. With Global Family assistance, a local church has established a primary school to make education accessible to all. In rural Nepal, Global Family funds make teacher training available, improving education for more than 3,500 children. Your gift helps students everywhere expand their horizons and gain knowledge and self-confidence for a brighter future.

$26 gives a student the required school uniform and helps buy workbooks for math, science, history and language courses.

$300 is the cost of a one year Global Family sponsorship to provide creative, community-based education for children and young adults.

Give Comfort

Rambha Maya Khamcha of Mathillo Koldada, Nepal, is one of a growing number of people living with HIV who are finding hope and comfort through support groups organized by MCC partner organizations in Nepal. In Jos, Nigeria, MCC is helping a local clinic offer free services including HIV blood tests, antiretroviral (ARV) medication, support for children who have been orphaned by AIDS and training for home-based caregivers. In Sudan, children who have been orphaned by AIDS, receive tuition, uniforms and supplies that enable them to attend school. Your gift helps MCC provide comfort to some of the millions of people affected by HIV and AIDS around the world.

$51 helps cover the cost of three months of antiretroviral treatment for one person in Nigeria.

Give Green

In Mexico, farmers such as Rodrigo Victorino Morales are experimenting with new techniques like building greenhouses for chili peppers, as well as cisterns, dry latrines and fuel-conserving stoves. In Guatemala, MCC-supported projects teach ecologically sustainable agriculture practices for growing vegetables, raising small animals and encouraging soil conservation. Small-scale wastewater treatment technology in Palestine helps households transform their wastewater for use in agricultural production. Help celebrate all of God’s gifts to us. Giving green promotes projects that encourage the responsible use of natural resources and help communities care for creation.

$20 helps provide tools, vegetable seeds, organic fertilizer and training for one farmer in Guatemala.

Enhance your Living Gift
A silver shooting star ornament and handmade paper card are available for purchase, as a pair, with any Living Gift project for only $4.00, including postage and handling. It will be sent to you or your honouree with a detailed description of the project you have given on their behalf. Limit: Only one card per Living Gift Purchase.

‘Walkerville Holiday Walkabout 09’

2009-11-18T15:18:00.002-05:00

Twice each year the Olde Walkerville business community invites everybody to walk around the neighbourhood and visit with your neighbours. This weekend, Friday and Saturday, November 20 & 21 is when this great event takes place, at the beginning of the holiday season. Discover the unique stores, businesses and restaurants. The Ten Thousand Villages Windsor store is easy to reach, right at the centre of the community, at 624 Chilver, just around the corner from the Peerless Ice Cream store & the Gourmet Emporium on Wyandotte.

If you have not yet discovered this very unique store you are in for a pleasant surprise. We believe that we are truly ‘one of a kind’ in the Windsor area and many of our customers comment that they didn’t know that there is a store like this in the community.

Ten Thousand Villages is a 100% Fair Trade, non-profit store which is passionately committed to improving the lives of our artisan and agricultural partners in more than 32 countries in the developing part of this world by providing them with vital fair income. You will find gifts for everyone as well as items for the home; beautifully handcrafted items such as wood carvings, sculptures, linens, puzzles, games and books, to mention just a few things. There are also interesting pieces you may not see elsewhere: Kisii stone carvings from Kenya; lacquered river rocks from Vietnam; jewellery from Peru and India; ceramics from Vietnam; singing bowls from Nepal; masks from Cameroon and musical instruments from India and Africa. We also have a wide variety of hand crafted Christmas decorations, nativity sets and crèches, all at modest prices. You can choose from a wide selection of fairly traded, organic coffees, chocolate, sugar, spices and teas.

Note that our store has special opening hours 10 am to 9 pm on Thursdays and Fridays from now until just before Christmas. We are also open on Monday thru’ Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am until 6 pm and Sundays from 12 noon until 4 pm.

So, put on you favourite walking shoes and stroll through Walkerville this weekend. When you visit Ten Thousand Villages you are invited to take part in a draw for a gift basket of coffee, chocolate and other goodies; you may also have a cup of delicious coffee, tea or hot chocolate and a special treat, home baked cookies made with fair trade, organic ingredients.

For more information about the Walkerville Holiday WalkAbout click here: WBIA

To learn more about Ten Thousand Villages, click here: Ten Thousand Villages Windsor

Something special … a step to help change the world.

2009-11-12T14:05:00.002-05:00

Most of you have already visited the Ten Thousand Villages store on Chilver Road in Windsor. You will know that it’s a different store than most. That’s because we are different. We are a Fair Trade store; probably the only one in Windsor. We are partners with our artisan suppliers in more than 30 countries around the world. Most of our staff is volunteers. We are passionate about what we do. You can help change the world this coming holiday season as we provide you with a great selection of quality products for your home and your gift giving. Our Christmas stock has arrived and is available now, shop early for the best selection.

To find out more about us, what motivates us and about our products click on the attached YouTube video The World of Fair Trade - Ten Thousand Villages. Although not filmed in the Windsor store, it is from an identical store in Ontario and we carry the same products.

Hope to see you soon … you’ll be happy to know that the road construction outside the store should be finished this week.

Meet some of our Artisan Partners from Guatemala - Ruth & Naomi

2009-10-29T20:26:00.000-04:00

The weaving cooperative Ruth and Naomi is located in Chontola, near Chichicastenango. Widowed artisans weave bright lengths of cloth on backstrap looms. Young men, trained as tailors, sew this cloth into finished products such as vests, bags, wallets and briefcases. These artisans are determined to ensure the survival of their families, their village and their culture, which they represent with the brightly woven floral designs in their textiles. Scholarships make it possible for teens to complete high school in Chichicastenango, while living in the project compound. Some have gone on to complete university degrees. The project has also started a health and nutrition center.

The Ruth and Naomi Project emerged out of the terror and desperation of Guatemala’s civil war. With the help of local Methodist pastor Diego Chicoj Ramos and his wife, Juana, some widows banded together to support themselves and their children through sales of the community’s traditional woven crafts. Of the initial group of 18 women, all had lost either husbands, fathers, or both to the government’s “scorched earth” policy of the 1980s. In 1986, the Methodist Project of Ruth and Naomi was officially founded. The name was chosen because it spoke of two widows from the Bible who were without resources, but who worked and survived.

Ten Thousand Villages purchases Christmas stockings, tree skirts, cushion covers, glasses cases, bags and purses from Ruth and Naomi. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased products from Ruth and Naomi since 1993.

An example of exquisite work - a 'World Children's Pillow'

From the 'Ruth and Naomi' partnership in Guatemala

'THURSDAYS LIVE' - OCTOBER 29 - SPECIAL EVENING FOR BUSINESS GIFT GIVERS - OPEN UNTIL 9PM

2009-10-26T11:59:00.000-04:00

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For those considering their business gift giving for the soon to be here holiday season, this is an invitation for you to visit us for a special evening on October 29th between 6 & 9pm.

Ten Thousand Villages Windsor offers exceptional handcrafted gifts for any occasion, to suit any budget. Knowledgeable staff will be available to help you with your selections and to suggest styles of presentation, such as baskets and other containers.

Demonstrate your high regard for clients, business associates and staff with a gift that will show your firm's social committment to the world. Not only will your selection of fairly traded gifts leave a lasting impression on the receiver, but you will also be helping Ten Thousand Villages provide vital, fair income to people in the developing world by purchasing their handicrafts and farm produce. This income helps to pay for food, education, health care and housing. Ten Thousand Villages works with thousands of artisans in more than 30 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.who would otherwise be under- or unemployed.

Ten Thousand Villages was originally an initiative of Mennonite Central Committee in 1946 to assist women who were living in poverty. It is now a non-profit organization with more than 130 retail stores in Canada and the USA. The stores are primarily staffed by knowledgeable volunteers.

To learn more about us click here: Ten Thousand Villages / Windsor

A <-350 Event on Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 6:30pm

2009-10-16T17:17:00.000-04:00

The Global Resource Centre, our neighbours ShopEco and caterer Taste Bud Foods, invite you to join them for Dinner and a Movie ... in the library at Ten Thousand Villages, 6:30pm on Thursday, October 22, 2009. This is part of a common call for Climate Action for people around the globe to do something about climate change before its too late.

This Windsor event, on October 22nd, is two days prior to the Global events on Saturday, Oct. 24th ... but then, we've been leaders in so many things it won't hurt to take the lead on this burning issue. So call 519-255-1293 now to make a reservation, cost - $15 per person. We need to know who's coming by Monday, October 19.
Join people from around the world to take a stand for a safe climate future. For more information about the worldwide events click 350

Story Time with a Fair Trade Flair - Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 11 to 11:30 am

2009-10-14T13:07:00.000-04:00

This is the first of a series of story times for children ages 4, 5 & 6 years, sponsored by the Global Resource Centre and held in the library at the Ten Thousand Villages Windsor store. Our story teller is Kathryn, a recently retired educator, and the theme is "Cultural Diversity".

Parents are to accompany their children for this half hour session ... and please pre-register, so we have sufficient materials. To register, or for more infromation, please call the store during our normal business hours (10am to 6pm) at 519-255-1293.

Don't forget, we always have a great cup of Fair Trade coffee waiting for you and will prepare a cup of delicious fair trade tea for you if you wish. While browsing around our store, you will make new discoveries about our selection of beautiful handcrafted items from around the world.

Thanksgiving Day - store closing

2009-10-10T13:14:00.000-04:00

The Ten Thousand Villages Windsor store will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 12, 2009.

However, the store will be open at its usual hours, 12 noon until 4 pm on Sunday, Oct. 11th. The weather forecast is great, so why not go for a Sunday afternoon drive and stop at the store, where there is always something new and interesting.

Here's wishing all of you a 'Happy Thanksgiving' weekend.

About a 'Grand Opening' of Walkerville Business Lofts - September 27th

2009-09-28T16:24:00.001-04:00

Now we all understand why it's called a 'Grand Opening' ... despite the forecasts, there was no rain and the sun shone ... the entertainment was just 'Grand' ... the customers were better than 'grand', they were great! Altogether, a 'Grand' day.

Now you know who we are, what we do and where we are ... come back soon, a warm and friendly welcome always awaits you at Ten Thousand Villages. We are continually receiving new shipments from our central warehouse, so there are always new discoveries to be made in our store.

Thanks for making our day 'Grand'.

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FALL SALE ... now on

2009-09-24T12:24:00.002-04:00

Ten Thousand Villages Windsor is holding a Fall Sale with significant savings on a range of our fair trade products ... visit us soon, you will find:

markdowns on a selection of personal products, jewellery, wooden bowls, statues, and home decor ...
discounts ranging from 25% to as much as 75%

Our artisan partners have been paid in full for all items in our store and we never affect their income because of discounts in our store. A sale allows us to thank you for your support of our mission, and to make more space in the store for new products arriving later this year.

Special Opening Hours This Week .... Thursday & Sunday, Sept. 24 & 27

2009-09-22T10:21:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder .... this Thursday it's 'Thursday Live' and our opening hours are extended .... instead of closing at 6 pm, we'll stay open until 9 pm.

For the 'Grand Opening' on Sunday, we'll be open from 12 noon until 7 pm.

On both days three extra hours for you to visit our fabulous store where you can shop with a conscience and your purchases make a difference.

See details of these special events on our earlier blogs.

Grand Opening - September 27 - update

2009-09-15T14:35:00.000-04:00

This just in ...

Windsor Folk Singer, Matt Morgan will be singing songs of peace at our store during this grand opening event ...
Bring a food donation (packaged or canned) to obtain a ballot for a chance to win one of many prizes ...
Ten Thousand Villages prizes are (4) $25 gift certificates for use in our store ...
For complete details of the Walkerville Business Lofts Grand Opening visit:Walkerville Business Lofts

Hope you all can make it ....

Grand Opening of 'Walkerville Business Lofts' - Sunday, September 27, 2009

2009-09-15T11:40:00.002-04:00

Sunday, September 27th come and join with us and our neighbours as we open our doors to say "Welcome" - from 12 noon to 7pm there will be a big celebration on Chilver Road, there will be special events all day ... including our usual coffee and tea for all who visit us.

With the recent opening of 'Shop Eco' all of the suites at 624 are ready for you to visit. Our building at 624 is known as 'The Walkerville Business Lofts': you'll find an Ecological Friendly store - 'ShopEco'; there's 'Flow Furniture Boutique', with made to order furniture; 'Taste Bud' is a caterer with great taste; 'Fusion Massage' to revitalize you; 'The Yoga Loft' for that special physical and mental exercise; 'DavLyn' is a financial firm with personal professional services; ...

... then there is 'Ten Thousand Villages' a store like no other - a 'Fair Trade' store ... with beautiful handcrafted products made by our artisan partners from over thirty countries around the world and Fair Trade coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar and spices ... a wide selection at reasonable prices ...

... our customers are telling us that they didn't know that there was a store like this anywhere in the Windsor area ... one way or another we've been here for about twenty years, but we moved to 624 Chilver Road in July 2009 and we want to get known throughout the greater Windsor area ... believe it or not, we are part of a large non-profit organization across Canada and the USA, most of our staff are volunteers ... we love what we do, and passionately believe in doing what we can to help those far less fortunate than we are ... our sales, all fairly traded, enable our partners to earn an honest living, provide a home, food and education for their children, and to be gainfully employed in a job that brings dignity and joy ... they are fulfilling a simple dream ... and, like us all, wish to live peaceful lives ... it is the reason why we have chosen to highlight our desires for 'Peace' as the theme for our special grand opening with our neighbours ... we also want to draw your attention to the International Day for Peace which is celebrated on September 21st.

In your own way, you can contribute to this peaceful enterprise as you 'Shop with a Conscience' at 'Ten Thousand Villages' in the 'Walkerville Business Lofts', Olde Walkerville, Windsor.

While in our store, visit The Global Resource Centre Library, a great resource for those wishing to learn more about social justice issues throughout the world.

for information about ... the International Day of Peace please click here

'Thursdays Live' special evening opening - September 24, 2009

2009-09-14T15:08:00.001-04:00

Its not too soon to start your Christmas and Holiday Shopping ...................

for great ideas in all price ranges, the best selection and personal attention be sure to visit Ten Thousand Villages, 624 Chilver Road, Windsor on Thursday evening, September 24th from 6 to 9pm. Now is the time to do it ...

As usual, the coffee pot will be on and the tea is just waiting to be freshly brewed so that you can taste some of the most delicious coffee and tea while you are visiting the store ... all Fair Trade of course.

For you to preview some of the items which are available in our store please visit our website (click here): Ten Thousand Villages - Windsor store

The Peace Dove Necklace (or, as some would say 'The Bomb Dove Necklace')

2009-09-11T21:07:00.028-04:00

Another new item in the Windsor Store is this beautiful necklace ... crafted by the artisans of Rajana Association from bomb casings littering Cambodia's landscape following decades of war. As a result of the unexploded bombs and landmines exploding, one in every 250 Cambodians is disabled and the proportion of amputees - one in every 384 people - is the highest in the world. The Peace Dove necklaces are available for $45 only from Ten Thousand Villages. The doves are hand-cut from brass bomb casings using a jeweller’s saw and then stamped with the word peace, written in both Khmer and English.This dove pendent, rich in both history and symbolism, hangs on a braided leather cord. A truly meaningful piece for peace.

Untold thousands, maybe many hundreds of thousands of unexploded land mines and bombs litter the landscape of many countries which have been battlefields throughout the world. These bombs and mines continue to kill and maim innocent people many years after the actual fighting has ceased. The Peace Dove Necklace helps us to focus on the the wars in Cambodia, but do not let this be a passing thought ... for such destructive forces continue to be unleashed in many places in our world ... we need to continue our efforts relentlessly for Peace.

For more information about the International Day of Peace (September 21, 2009), please visit: www.internationaldayofpeace.org
For more information about the Problem of Landmines, please visit: The Canadian Landmine Foundation

New delivery to our store of 'Tropical Salvage Furniture' from Indonesia

2009-09-08T20:43:00.002-04:00

A few days ago we received a delivery of some interesting new products including something completely new to our line up in Windsor ... beautiful furniture salvaged from old castaway or forgotten wood and put to a new imaginative use by Indonesian artisans.Irresponsible and unsustainable logging practices are among the critical problems challenging Indonesia's health and stability. Our partner, 'Tropical Salvage' is founded on a belief that this and other threats to the world's ecological integrity can be answered and abated with positive changes.

Tropical Salvage, a fair trade employer, offers localized economic opportunity in areas of particular economic hardship. They also raise environmental and cultural awareness and invest in solutions to environmental problems. Tropical Salvage is a working model of positive change.

Drop into our store soon to see this beautiful work, we have a cabinet just like the one in the picture ....

For more information about Tropical Salvage, please visit their website: Tropical Salvage

“Kids Need Fair Trade” - Saturday, September 19, 2009

2009-09-01T17:03:00.000-04:00

A visit to Ten Thousand Villages is a wonderful thing to do as a family outing for your children to learn about fair trade, different cultures and the art of handmade creations. Young people love to hear the story behind each product, from chocolate bars ... to jewelery ... to home decor. Most of the people who work at Ten Thousand Villages are volunteers, they are enthusiasts about fair trade and they make your visits to the store a fun experience.

That will be especially true on ..................................

Saturday, September 19th, 2009;

Family Day at Ten Thousand Villages - Windsor.

Special events throughout the day - from 10 am until 2 pm

Face painting; colouring stations with fair trade pictures;

supervised toddler tent & helium filled balloons

10 to 10:30 am

Story time for kids from 3 to 5

11 to 11:45 am

Music for those from 6 to 8 years

1 to 2 pm

Mask painting for 9 to 12 year olds

Please pre-register for the story time, music session and mask painting,

so we can be sure to have sufficient materials for each participating person.

(We may just bring some extras, just in case!)

Phone: 519-255-1293

While your children are doing their special thing, plan on having a taste of fair trade coffee or tea, while you also look around the store.

Welcome to the World of Ten Thousand Villages

2009-09-01T15:59:00.000-04:00

This is the initial posting on the blog for the Windsor store of Ten Thousand Villages. Some of you will have visited our new store on Chilver Road, others have been faithful visitors at our former location on Sandwich Street, there will also be some whose connection goes back further to our annual Festival Sales for many years in November at Glenwood United Church, maybe even some with a longer history ... whatever your connection or interest in our Ten Thousand Villages, WELCOME!

Since we opened on Chilver Road in July the place has been a hive of interesting activity ... a lot has been happening and we are most grateful for the support we've had from the community.

As time goes by, we'll bring you news about our upcoming special events; our products, especially when we introduce something new; most of all we'll tell you about the people who are partnered in the work of Ten Thousand Villages ... some right here in Windsor, others at locations across Canada and the USA ... then there are the many thousands who are artisans and farmers in the developing world ... there are some very interesting stories that we don't hear too often in our hectic society.

From time to time we'll bring to your attention items about the world in which we live; about Fair Trade and justice issues, facts and information about the economy and opinions from movers and shakers.

My thanks are due to the help and encouragement I've received as I explored the world of cyberspace, these include: Ian at the Ottawa store; Arnell in Calgary; Phil from Quilters' Connections in Windsor; Jeanette and Jon at the New Hamburg head office ... but most of all the management and volunteers here in Windsor.

If, at times it looks like this blog is being prepared by a learner .. it is ... so please bear with me as we journey together along the many diverse paths in the world of Ten Thousand Villages.