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 Artisan Work
Pha Tha
Peace Handicrafts
This month we would like to spotlight the work of Pha Tha of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Pha Tha meticulously stuffs and embellishes vibrantly-colored silk ornaments. These beauties are available in an array of colors in the following styles:
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| Shipping Update!
Whether we are in town or out of country,
we've made arrangements to have our Fair Trade products shipped to fulfill
your orders
every business day!
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Reminder!
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| Contact Us!
We welcome your comments! | | Glenn:
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Kingdom Ventures Inc
Products with Purpose
The (ad)Venture
June 2012 |
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Let us introduce you to... Pha Tha
 During our most recent visit to Cambodia, we had opportunity to meet the craftswoman who is instrumental in creating the stunning silk ornaments we offer. Let us introduce you!
Pha Tha was only 3 years old and the youngest child in the family when her father died. Her mother struggled to raise the family, surviving hand-to-mouth. When she was 4 years old, Pha Tha fell ill, but her mother could not afford to buy medication. The result is that the left side of Pha Tha's body became immobile.
In her debt-ridden family, everyone had to work - to bring in income - in order to survive. Pha Tha's disability proved to be a crushing burden for the family. Because she could not work, she was often subjected to physical and verbal abuse from her siblings.
In 2002, a friend transported Pha Tha to Peace Handicrafts in Phnom Penh, Cambodia to apply for their work-training program. With her significant physical limitations and her lack of experience, the organization hesitantly accepted her into the program to work with the quality control team.
Now, ten years later, Pha Tha is one of Peace Handicrafts' longest-serving staff members! With diligence and perseverance, she has become a valued team member. On our recent visit to Peace Handicraft, we were honored to meet her as she faithfully demonstrated her craft to us. We invite you to view her handiwork! |
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Quote of the month
"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing
because he could do only a little."
~ Edmund Burke (1729-1797)
British statesman, author and orator,
remembered for his support of the cause of the American Revolution |
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Fair Trade: Myth & Reality
As awareness of Fair Trade grows, so do a number of misconceptions about it. In this occasional series we'd like to "debunk" some of those myths. We'll give some response from the Fair Trade Federation (or other FT group) and a bit of KVI commentary as well.
Myth # 3: Fair Trade is anti-globalization.
 Reality: International exchange lies at the heart of fair trade. Fair trade organizations seek to maximize the positive elements of globalization that connect people, communities, and cultures through products and ideas. At the same time, they seek to minimize the negative elements that result in lower labor, social, and environmental standards which hide the true costs of production.
 Commentary: In fact, nothing could be further from the truth! Fair Trade is all about a "global" economy - but one in which EVERYONE derives benefit. Thomas Friedman in "The World is Flat" explored the impacts of information technology that has allowed business to function from virtually anywhere and EVERYwhere. That same IT explosion has enabled Fair Trade to move from a niche market social cause into the consciousness of people in the developed world. Our producers have better access to markets for their products and because of advances in communication and shipping those products can be competitive in the marketplace! That's "globalization" at its best!!
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KVI Products in DC
Birthed in the mid-1960's, the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival is a carrier of cultures and a display of living traditions. Held outdoors on the National Mall in Washington DC from June 27-July 8, the Festival offers a plethora of activities involving music, crafts, artistry and food in order to bring understanding of cultural differences and similarities.
Beginning in 2007, Kingdom Ventures was invited to showcase select products from Cambodia to enhance the "Mekong River: Connecting Cultures" theme that year. THIS year, in addition to our STOPstart products from Cambodia, the Smithsonian has requested products from some of our other suppliers. Our recycled glass bead jewelry by Simon Munyua will represent his Alisim Glass Studio from Uthiru, Kenya. Additionally, there has been a request for Sospeter's cow horn hoop earrings.
And much to their delight, items by two of our Made in Honduras Cooperative artisans, Maria and Marlin, have been chosen for this year's offering! Maria's sea glass dragonfly and Celtic cross necklaces will undoubtedly be a success at the festival.
Marlin's delicate, colorful origami fish and peace crane earrings will steal the show, I'm sure! Our two women in particular are incredibly honored to know that their work was selected for display and for sale in the US capital! We are quite proud of all of them too! |
The Last Word... Greetings!
We at Kingdom Ventures are "in between" seasons. We have JUST returned from participating in the annual Fair Trade Federation (FTF) conference, this year in Bellevue WA. What a tremendous opportunity for us to convene with wholesale and retail "Fair Traders" from across the US and Canada! A grand time to meet and reconnect with those who are like-minded in working to bring about economic empowerment and sustainability to workers in developing countries. We came away encouraged, recharged, and invigorated!
Our shipment of STOPstart products ~ including all of those new products!!! ~ has JUST arrived. We are busy filling orders for requests across the USA! Take a peek at what's new...
 Many of you have been asking when will we begin our retail show season. Over Father's Day weekend you will find us in Honeoye Falls NY at the Festival on the Green. This is our 6th year at this favorite location. FOTG is a great family-oriented show, with a terrific playground on campus and oodles of music throughout both days. Please drop by and see us !
Join us for a fabulous Summer!
Rebecca & Glenn Fadner
"Making a Difference!"
Remember to "like" us on Facebook. 
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Kingdom Ventures On the MOVE!!!
KVI sightings? You can find us on our website! And this year our KVI traveling show will be seen at the following locations:
| | Sat-Sun | June 16-17 | Festival on the Green, Honeoye Falls, NY | | Fri-Sat | July 13-14 | Geneseo Rotary Summer Festival, Geneseo, NY | | Sat-Sun | Sept 15-16 | Greentopia, Rochester, NY (in the High Falls District) |
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