The Bridges of Hope is celebrating 10 Years.... in their mission of providing Fair Trade gifts to our friends and neighbors in and around Mt. Vernon. We opened August of 2006, operating from the "CART" that Bob Beste made for us. Many of you have seen the cart in Wesley Hall of First UMC, the 4-H grounds, the Ribeye Gym in New Harmony, and now and permanetly housed in the middle of our store.
Each time customers visit the store and make a small purchase, not necessarily the special for the week, their name will be added to the drawing for a grand prize. (It will not be necessary to be present for the drawing.)
WEEK #1 - Ghana Baskets
They have handles wrapped in tanned goat skin. These baskets have been the most popular item in the store. The prices compare very favorably to other markets where they are found. They range from $15 to $48 and come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes.
WEEK #2 - All Jewlery
In the store you can find necklaces, earrings, and bracelets from many countries and made of many materials, such as; tagua, beads and fine stones. All have wonderful stories behind them about the artisians but the Starfish jewelry is the most touching. Most pieces have the story of a young girl who has been purchased from the sex trade and given a new life by you when you purchase a piece of Starfish jewelry.
WEEK #3 - All Bags
WEEK #4 - All Scarves
A wide variety of scarves are on display in the store from silk to woven patterns. They represent artisians in Guatemala, India, Nepal and Bangledesh.
WEEK #5 - Bangledesh made Baskets
WEEK #6 - Haitian Metal Art
All the metal art pieces are from Haiti and are crafted from recycled oil drums! Each piece is made by the artisian drawing in chalk the design he creates then 'punched' by hand to a finished beautiful piece. Each is unique and beautiful!
Week #7 - Aluminum Angels and Crosses
The aluminum pieces are from Nicaragua and made from recycled car engines. A young man worked in a foundry that closed. The owner let the workers choose the molds they wanted. Our young artisian chose angels and crosses. The most popular is the cross with the profile of Jesus. But the angels sell fast too - - some are singing and some are flying.
WEEK #8 - Nativities
The nativities range from pottery, wood, and ceramic. They come from far ranging countries which include Peru, the West Bank and the Philippines.
WEEK #9 - House Wares, Pottery, & Lamps
WEEK #10 - Banks, Boxes and Bookends
Bookends range from soapstones made in Kenya, onyx from Pakistan or the metal one from India. Banks range from wood to whimsical leather cats, owls and elephants.
WEEK #11 - Coffee, Tea & Candy
If you are planning a group gathering, we would be happy to open the store at other times that accommodate your plans. The stories we have to tell about each item in the store can be your entertainment.
HOURS: Tuesday: 9:00am-2:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-2:00pm
Sunday: 9:15 - 10:15am
Find us at.... www.facebook.com/BridgesOfHOpeFairTrade
