Many people today are looking for ways to make their gifts more meaningful. These suggestions, all handmade by sellers at ETSY.com, help change the world, one gift at a time. They are chosen from shops where the shop owner donates a percentage of the proceeds from every sale to benefit humanitarian projects in Africa.
This beautiful image is by Unicef worker and photographer Lola Galla. She offers a series of striking photographs and photo-montages of Tanzania with all proceeds donated to the Chalula Project of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL). FAVL is a network of individuals and donors committed to long-term management of and support for small community libraries in rural Africa http://www.favl.org/news.html.
Visit Lola Galla's Etsy shop "Lola Oppd" to see more of her original photographic art http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5913863.
The Kibera Jewelry shop (headquartered in the US) sells jewelry made by "Sema na Kufanya" (meaning "Action Speaks"), a 30-person cooperative of HIV/AIDS afflicted mothers in Kibera, Kenya. The proceeds support them as well a nursery school they started for their children. 100% of all profits will reach them. To learn more about the project see http://kiberajewelry.googlepages.com and to visit Kibera's Etsy shop click here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KiberaJewelry
Julie Backman is an artist who sells her handmade charms and pendants with inspirational sayings and graphics, as well as beautifully designed art cards and collages to support teachers’ salaries at four schools in Zambia supported by the Zambia Satellite, a division of Good Samaritan Ministries. For more info about the Zambia Satellite see: http://gsmzambia.orgPictured is a reversible charm/pendant. One side says "Authentic" and the other is a pretty pink floral pattern. It comes with a 24' ball chain necklace which can be clipped to any size. See this and many other pendants at http://jjbackman.etsy.com
This striking clutch (or wristlet) can be custom made for you from your choice of wax-printed Rwandan cotton by Kristen of Sewn Sunday http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewnsunday.
Kristen explains - When I took a trip to Rwanda I met an incredible man, Pastor David. He and his gracious family have taken on the job of helping to better the lives of the children and families in his neighborhood in the town of Butare. Among his many projects, he has been working with a group of widows and teaching them the trade of tailoring. Learning this trade will allow these women to find jobs that can help them provide for their families. I think because I love to sew I felt a desire to help. 50% of the proceeds of this custom bag will go to support his wonderful project."
And finally there are Mufi Jewels http://mufi.etsy.com and Personal Treasures http://personaltreasures.etsy.com, my own shops where 50% of the profits help support the children of "Charity Orphanage" in Robertsport, Liberia. You can learn more about this project at http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/2008/09/jewelry-liberian-children-gem-of-cause.html. The vibrant earrings pictured (from Mufi Jewels) are crafted of rich blue Kyanite and golden pearls and would make a truly special gift. At the shops you will find many, many other options, that will come to you elegantly boxed for giving.
Looking for more gifts that 'give twice' for others on your list? Find links to many other gift guides: "Handmade Children's Gifts That Benefit Charity," "Give Gifts that Give Twice," "Holiday Gifts that Benefit Charity" and more, in the column to the right under the heading Gifts That Benefit Charity. Multiply the impact of your generosity!
