Even staged at Knox United Church in Parksville
The World Crafts Bazaar Parksville-Qualicum returns to Oceanside for its 22nd year on Saturday, Oct. 18.
According to a press release, Islanders are invited to celebrate and support global artisans and the projects they have created with social justice organizations. This fair trade event at Knox United Church in Parksville is an international marketplace where those attending can use their purchasing power ethically and responsibly.
Co-sponsored by the church and Parksville-Qualicum KAIROS, an ecumenical social justice group, the bazaar will offer fair trade, eco-friendly treasures from Guatemala, Nepal, India, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, India, Vietnam, Myanmar and many more “global villages” around the world.
Vendors from Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Oceanside, Courtenay and Campbell River, as well as Salt Spring Island, Vancouver and Lund, will be on hand not only to sell but also to discuss their projects with visitors. People will meet old friends from previous bazaars including Global Village Nanaimo, Aldea Maya (Qualicum) and Oceanside Grandmothers-to-Grandmothers as well as Gathering Place Trading (Campbell River). Fair trade artisan/business partnerships will be represented by Mystic Lotus (Parksville), Didi Bahini Fair Trade (Nanaimo) and Mondo and Company (Salt Spring Island) and more.
New friends include Cashmere Crafts (Africa), The Jacaranda Collective (Kenya), Savary Island Fair Trade (Lund), ICO Nepal and ICO Vietnam. Local supporters of Right to Learn Afghanistan will offer for sale a trove of treasures collected by an Islander now retired from a career with the United Nations. The preceding is only a sampling of the participating vendors, all of whom will be publicly acknowledged with appreciation following the event.
A very special participant will be Dave Talbot (Amnesty International) of Courtenay, founder of the Fiesta World Craft Bazaar circuit on Vancouver Island and its guide for 32 years. His devotion to fair trade and social justice has inspired and motivated many.
The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 345 Pym St. Lunch will be available, prepared by the Outreach Committee of the church. Info: Perry, 250-927-2717.
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