United Group Insurance

Fair trade market comes to Atlantic

News

October 7th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

A store which will offer goods created in 38 countries without the use of child labor, opens tomorrow (Saturday), in Atlantic. Five churches in the community have teamed-up for the Atlantic Fair Trade Market, which will operate from October 8th through the 22nd, at 408 Chestnut Street. The hours of operation are from 10-a.m. to 5-p.m., Monday through Saturday.

On-hand at the Fair Trade Market will be items created from artisans from more than three-dozen countries, obtained through Ten Thousand Villages, one of the largest fair trade organizations in the world. Products made by the various artisans are in good working condition, and are made without the use of child labor. Prices are set by the artisans themselves, and are used to help those persons in third-world countries make a living.

The event was organized by Myra Kail, of Atlantic. A member of the 1st United Methodist Church, Kail said she was aware of a fair trade movement that’s been around for a while, and was interested in creating a similar market in Atlantic. Over the past six-months, Kail and fellow organizer Michelle Jones planned the event and formed an all-volunteer committee among five churches in the community to handle the details.

Kail said depending on demand, another Fair Trade Market might be held in the Spring of 2012. And, if there’s enough demand, a permanent shop could be established. For more information, call Myra Kail at 712-243-4265.