Ten Thousand Villages News

Ten Thousand Villages has partnered with Divine Chocolate to celebrate “One Scrumptious Chocolate Celebration” on Saturday, September 6: World Chocolate Day.
“Ten Thousand Villages and Divine Chocolate, both fair trade organizations, share a commitment to long-term trade relationships with farmers and artisans, including marketing their quality products to U.S. customers,” said Lisa Stratton, marketing director for Ten Thousand Villages.

Ten Thousand Villages stores across the country are celebrating the global celebration of chocolate by offering a free Divine Chocolate gift with purchase during the month of September, while supplies last. Many stores will host chocolate-inspired events including ‘One Divine Chocolate Challenge,’ testing chocolate knowledge and expertise with a sweet ending for contestants. Or join us for an evening of ‘One Fun-tastic Fondue,’ sure to be a tasty and fragrant event. And for a limited time, Ten Thousand Villages customers will have the opportunity to try the newest Divine Chocolate creation, Crunchy Milk Chocolate.

Divine Chocolate is a pioneering fair trade chocolate company, owned in part by the 45,000-member strong farmers’ cooperative of Kuapa Kokoo in Ghana. Since 1998, Divine has delighted chocolate lovers with quality chocolate made from the ‘best of the best’ 100 percent fair trade cocoa—or as Kuapa Kokoo farmers call it: pa pa paa in the Ghanaian language of Twi.

“This is truly a ‘divine’ partnership inspired by the mission of fair trade,” said Niki Lagos, regional sales manager, Divine Chocolate, Inc. “Together we hope to empower and educate consumers about the impact their buying decisions have on farmers and artisans in developing countries around the world.”

Divine Chocolate can be purchased at Ten Thousand Villages store locations nationwide. For more information about Divine Chocolate, visit www.divinechocolateusa.com.

Rehab Craft Cambodia focuses on some of the most disadvantaged in Cambodian society—people who have been disabled by land mine injuries or debilitating and untreated illness.

“My name is Thik Hong and I am 29 years old. I live in a rented house together with my wife, 1-year-old daughter and other family members in the city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. When I was 2 or 3 years old, I had polio very badly in my right leg. I have had a disability ever since that time.

“After I finished 12 years of school, it was hard to find a job. Then I got a job for two years at a handicraft shop, but I didn’t earn very much money. Working as a producer at Rehab Craft Cambodia [RCC] for the past year has been good. Rehab Craft is different, because all the staff have disabilities and we understand each other.

“I’m glad that Ten Thousand Villages orders many products from us so that the workshop stays very busy and I can save some money. Someday, I hope to buy a little house for my family.”

There are not many opportunities for Cambodians such as Thik Hong, who live with disabilities, to find work or to learn skills to support themselves. Rehab Craft Cambodia provides a lifeline, however, training people with disabilities in handicraft production, and providing career opportunities within the organization. Rehab Craft is a nonprofit, local nongovernmental organization that has been operating for 13 years. RCC was originally funded by a New Zealand organization, but has been financially sustainable and independent for the past seven years. Everyone who works at RCC has some form of physical disability, from the guard at the gate to the team leaders of the organization.

Recent research shows that approximately 4 percent of Cambodians are disabled ("The disabled still lack employment opportunities," p. 8. Development Weekly, 18-24 December, 2006), which is one of the highest rates of disabilities in the world. Some of these disabilities are the results of land mines and unexploded ordinance left over from more than two decades of war. There are also many people affected by polio, or who have limbs amputated due to untreated diabetes.

Rehab Craft runs a training program for people with disabilities to learn various crafts, including producing handicrafts from silver, silk, stone and wood. Some of these artisans continue to be employed by the organization, while others set up independent production in the provinces. RCC purchases and markets many of their products in their showrooms in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Management positions are generally filled from within the organization, so those with management potential have the possibility of working their way up in the organization.

Rehab Craft has been exporting products to Ten Thousand Villages since 2006. With continued sales to a variety of fair trade organizations like Ten Thousand Villages, Rehab Craft Cambodia should be in a good position to continue and expand its work creating opportunities and improving quality of life of Cambodians with disabilities in the future.

Carrie Martin
Mennonite Central Committee Cambodia Handicraft Designer/Business Advisor


Thik Hong is an artisan with Rehab Craft Cambodia, producing unique bags made from recycled fish feed bags.

Ten Thousand Villages has established a new trading partnership in India—with Aravali, an artisan group producing textiles based in Jaipur, India.

Ten Thousand Villages has established a new trading partnership in India—with Aravali, an artisan group producing textiles based in Jaipur, India.

Ten Thousand Villages has established a new trading partnership in India—with Aravali, an artisan group producing textiles based in Jaipur, India. The first product from Aravali, a shoulder bag stitched with “gudri” embroidery, appears in stores this month (6846040).

Aravali began in 1976 as a small clothing boutique. In the early 1980s its focus shifted away from fashion and toward home decor. Manager Rahul Duggal sees their greatest strength as their commitment to forming long-term relationships; they have been working with many of the same workshops for 10 years or longer. Their target wages are slightly higher than the local market.

Most of the artisans with whom Aravali works are men working in blockprinting workshops in and around Jaipur. “The workshops are within a relatively close geographical range, which allows Aravali to maintain close contact with the artisans, despite their small administrative staff,” pointed out Renee Bowers, buyer for India. Aravali also works women in Rajasthan, such as those producing the embroidered bag recently introduced by Ten Thousand Villages.

“Duggal describes the initial process of working with new artisan groups as grueling,” said Bowers, “as he gently guides them towards higher quality standards and educates them on fair trade principles. Many artisans make the decision to go find work elsewhere, where quality standards are not as exacting. However, those who can look to the long term are rewarded, as Aravali makes a true effort to provide them with year-round work that is long-term and sustainable.”


Giriraj is an artisan in a workshop near Jaipur producing blockprint fabrics for Aravali. Blockprinting has been an art in Giriraj’s family for generations—one that they have sought to preserve in the face of increasing machine production of textiles.

Craig Schloneger (center), chief executive officer of Ten Thousand Villages U.S., is presented an official proclamation by Alex F. Brigham, executive director of The Ethisphere Institute (left), and Stephen R. Martin, editor-in-chief, Ethisphere Magazine, officially bestowing the title of “World’s Most Ethical Company” to Ten Thousand Villages U.S.

Ten Thousand Villages Named One of “World’s Most Ethical Companies”
Fair trade retailer among distinguished list announced by
Forbes and The Ethisphere Institute

(AKRON, Pa) – World fair trade leader Ten Thousand Villages has been recognized as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by The Ethisphere Institute and Forbes Magazine. Recipients of the internationally acclaimed award were revealed this week during an awards ceremony sponsored by The Ethisphere Institute and Forbes Magazine in New York City.

“This is truly an amazing distinction bestowed on Ten Thousand Villages, and we are honored to be recognized among this class of elite companies,” said Ten Thousand Villages Chief Executive Officer, Craig Schloneger. “As a nonprofit retail operation we strive to be fair trade leaders, coupling our mission with sustainable economic and environmental practices. I am proud of Ten Thousand Villages and our team’s commitment to fair trade and to serving the needs of both the artisans who supply our products, and the customers who purchase them.”

Researchers and analysts with The Ethisphere Institute reviewed more than 10,000 of the world’s leading companies on six continents including a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process. Among Ten Thousand Villages’ peers recognized in the class of retail operations were IKEA, Stoneyfield Farm, Target, Kellogg Company, Google and Trader Joe’s.

Schloneger was among four business leaders who spoke at the event, and offered the following challenge to fellow members of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” class of 2008: “I want to be so bold as to challenge this distinguished group of businesses to continue to promote ethics in the marketplace, and to treat people fairly from the beginning of the supply chain to the very end of the market chain,” Schloneger expressed. “We are called to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly for we have a big responsibility and a tremendous opportunity … to motivate our customers with our business ethics, to empower our suppliers on a daily basis and to make a positive impact on the world in which we live.”

“We applaud the positive work and mission of Ten Thousand Villages,” said Alexander Brigham, executive director of The Ethisphere Institute. “Ten Thousand Villages is among the companies honored this year because they have developed impressive and meaningful ethical business practices, making them true standouts within their industry. By their actions, they are forcing their competitors to follow suit, or fall behind—they truly embody the notion that ethical business practices are more profitable in the long run.”

The Ethisphere Institute and its associated membership group is dedicated to the research, creation and sharing of best practices in ethics, compliance and corporate governance among companies. Members of the 2008 “World’s Most Ethical Companies” will be published in the globally-recognized annual World Most Ethical Companies RankingTM, as well as the Government Contractor Ethics Program RankingTM and the upcoming Global Anti-Corruption Quotient. Additionally, Ten Thousand Villages and other members of the carefully researched and selected listing will be featured in an upcoming issue of Forbes and in the Q2 issue of Ethisphere Magazine.

For more than 60 years, Ten Thousand Villages has been establishing long-term buying relationships in places where skilled artisans lack opportunities for stable income. The commitment to support artisans around the globe is strengthened through fair trade compensation practices including cash advances and prompt payments. As the company continues to grow, Ten Thousand Villages has become increasingly conscious of the need to marry the concept of fair trade with healthy and environmentally sustainable business practices. From store operations to product sourcing to marketing practices, Ten Thousand Villages strives to meet the “triple bottom line” of economic, environmental and social sustainability.

Founded in 1946, the company has grown from the trunk of founder Edna Ruth Byler's car to a network of more than 150 retail outlets throughout the United States.

Ten Thousand Villages is an exceptional source for unique, handmade gifts, jewelry, home decor and personal accessories made by artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. One of the world's largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), the company strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 36 countries. Product sales help pay for food, education, healthcare and housing for artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit program of Mennonite Central Committee.

Additional high-resolution photos available upon request by contacting Kristen Jenkins, Media Relations for Ten Thousand Villages U.S., at Kristen.Jenkins@tenthousandvillages.com.

For more information, contact:
Kristen Jenkins, Media Relations
704 Main Street
P.O. Box 500
Akron, PA 17501-0500
717.859.8150

(Akron, PA) – World fair trade leader Ten Thousand Villages has been recognized for an innovative approach to design through sustainable resources with an award from American InHouse Design.

“It is a great honor and distinction to be chosen to receive this award,” said Ten Thousand Villages chief executive officer, Craig Schloneger. “As a nonprofit retail operation we strive to be fair trade leaders, coupling our mission with sustainable economic and environmental practices. I am proud of efforts the Ten Thousand Villages marketing team makes every day to fulfill our promise to our artisans and our customers.”

A premiere showcase of the best in design concepts, the American InHouse Design Award is awarded by on behalf of Graphic Design USA. Ten Thousand Villages received the coveted distinction for its “Discover a World of Difference.” gift card carrier.

Handcrafted from recycled materials, the thoughtfully designed piece features a sepia-tone image of a Ten Thousand Villages artisan’s hands at work and a gift card created from used calling cards.

Ten Thousand Villages art director and in-house graphic designer, Nata Rudy, created a marketing piece designed for gift giving, and took it to the next eco-friendly level.

“Over the past year, as an organization, Ten Thousand Villages has experimented with the overall format of our marketing materials to express the theme ‘A World, handmade.’ in everything we do,” Rudy stated. “The important details of our wonderful handmade products, created by artisans around the world, made this piece uniquely Ten Thousand Villages.”

Contest winners have the opportunity to be featured in the GDUSA Inhouse Awards Annual, which is seen by an estimated 100,000 design, advertising and in-house design agencies around the world.

For more than 60 years, Ten Thousand Villages has been establishing long-term buying relationships in places where skilled artisans lack opportunities for stable income. The commitment to support artisans around the globe is strengthened through fair trade compensation practices including cash advances and prompt payments. As the company continues to grow, Ten Thousand Villages has become increasingly conscious of the need to marry the concept of fair trade with healthy and environmentally sustainable business practices.

Today, Ten Thousand Villages continues to carry out a conscious approach toward minimizing an environmental impact. From store operations to product selection to marketing practices, Ten Thousand Villages strives to meet the “triple bottom line” of economic, environmental and social sustainability.

Founded in 1946, the company has grown from the trunk of founder Edna Ruth Byler's car to a network of more than 150 retail outlets throughout the United States selling Ten Thousand Villages products. The company encourages artisan partners to use environmentally friendly processes, sustainable natural resources and recycled materials to ensure each product offered has been crafted responsibly. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit program of Mennonite Central Committee.

Ten Thousand Villages is an exceptional source for unique, handmade gifts, jewelry, home decor and personal accessories made by artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. One of the world's largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), the company strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 36 countries. Product sales help pay for food, education, healthcare and housing for artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed.
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Featuring a bold design, vibrant color and constructed of recycled materials, the Ten Thousand Villages “Discover a World of difference.” gift card carrier has been tagged as an American InHouse Design winner.

Ten Thousand Villages recently created its own group called "I shop at Ten Thousand Villages" on Facebook. Be sure to join and don't forget to spread the word to your friends and family too!

To sign up, simply use the following steps:

1. Go to www.facebook.com
2. If you have not already done so, create an account and login
3. Search for "I shop at Ten Thousand Villages"
4. Click the "Join this Group" link on the right sidebar

Fair trade saves lives, said Mike Muchilwa of KICK Trading, a Ten Thousand Villages trading partner in Kisumu, Kenya. Read on for Muchilwa’s observations on the power of fair trade to help artisans survive crises such as Kenya’s recent post-election turmoil.

In recent months, the international media has been replete with horrific images of a formerly peaceful Kenya descending into mayhem. Youth brandishing machetes, destroying property and taking lives in full view of the media. Menacing policemen shooting unarmed protestors holding branches and calling for peace and justice. Women and children burnt to death in churches and homes by murderous gangs, all in the name of justice.

In addition to some criminals, many people involved in post-election riots were unemployed youth. Kisumu, located on Lake Victoria in Western Kenya, and the location of KICK Trading, suffered economic damage of more than $45 million, which will take as many as 20 years to rebuild. Thousands have lost their livelihoods, and crime has risen proportionally. Property has been looted and destroyed, and the city resembled a war zone.

International observers have recognized the need to address many underlying issues that have boiled to the surface following disputed elections in Kenya. Key issues have been unemployment, poverty and inequality. Kenya has the third worst income distribution in the world, with 20 percent of its population controlling half its wealth. Many unemployed people, desperate to earn a living, have been forced into the informal sector, popularly known as the "jua kali" (Swahili for hot sun). It is these producers with whom KICK Trading has worked since its inception. The organization has always seen the potential of these marginalized people who have been left out of the formal economy.

Many of those who were seen brandishing machetes, demonstrating and getting shot live in the same Kisumu neighborhoods as KICK's artisans. Many have grown up together and can put names on the casualties.

I believe many artisans would have joined the looting, destruction and death had it not been for fair trade. Others have been rehabilitated from crime and prostitution because fair trade gave them the means to earn an honest living. When fair trade opportunities are lost, we see the death, desperation and hopelessness arising.

Fortunately, all of KICK's producers were alright, with no reports of any having been harmed. Credit goes to partners like Ten Thousand Villages in the United States and Canada, as well as Trade Aid New Zealand, whose orders have kept producers working in spite of the hardships Kisumu faces. The recent chaos has strengthened KICK’s resolve to promote fair trade and benefit many more marginalized producers and desperate youth. With support from its trading partners, KICK can prevent a young life from becoming a death statistic—and prove that fair trade does save lives.