Article for work...

Well, I have just written an article for work, so thought I would share it with you for your thoughts, should you choose to share! Obviously, I have been more clear as to the names of people and organisations, but aside from it, this is it for now! See what you think... Oh, it's a monthy newsletter that will be emailed to suppliers of fair trade product around Australia.

Dear Friends,

Welcome to a new chapter of ETP! As we have continued to grow and share with you about the organizations that we partner with create the beautiful items that are part of the ETP range, we are thrilled to be able to embark on a new chapter. We have come to see the importance of sharing stories, and so, once a month, will have a special focus on sharing stories with you of the organizations we all work with around the world. Our heart is to bring to you an insight into their daily life, their joys, needs and ways in which connections can be made. Buying any one of the products in the ETP range truly will help those around the world in need in a practical, and life giving way!

So it is with great joy that we bring you our first newsletter. We greatly welcome any news and feedback as we seek to share.

Many of you will be familiar with the beautiful papers and soaps of VH, and organization based in the Philippines that seeks to teach useful skills and give employment to those living in poverty in The Philippines. Mike, has partnered with people in the Philippines, to teach and equip them as they create beautiful soaps and stationery to sell around the world. All the profits and proceeds of the sale of each item go directly back into the local community (Mike and the team that work alongside the Filipinos are all volunteers). In a country where those starting companies will do whatever it takes to get ahead, VH is unique in the community, as they pay each person a fair wage that is salaried- not per item, or hourly. This brings great stability and security to the team and their families as they then know when they will be paid, and can plan ahead.

How are YOU helping VH??

C&S Products have recently designed a new range of soaps, and stationary for VH to produce. As a result, Mike found he needed to employ new people to assist with the production of the products.

One of the employees had a friend whose daughter was sick. She was taken to the hospital, whereupon her parents were told she would likely die, or if she lived, would be in a vegetative state for the rest of her life(this is a fairly common result of malnutrition). They were all told there was nothing to be done but pray. The parents could not pay for the hospital, so VH paid the medical fees. After about 3 weeks, she returned home, which was about the time the order from C&S arrived. Mike and the team saw the need for more employees, so invited the mother to join the team- thus enabling this family, including 7 children to have a regular means of income!

The family has joined in the local community, and the older children come to work to help out and walk home with their mother in the afternoon. As a result the lives of 9 people has been turned around, and they have a wonderful hope for the future- as a result of the love outworked in action.

And the little girl who was going to die? She is now a happy, healthy lively 4 year old nicknamed ‘Beautiful”, who often comes to visit the team of 18 at VH!!

So, thank you for your heart to help those around the world who are in need, you make a difference in each of their lives!

Keep an eye out for the wonderful new ranges of soap and stationary from VH, and we look forward to hearing from you! We encourage you to share the stories you hear with the people who purchase the ETP products, and love to hear your feedback of how we can better assist you!