The Gift that Gives Back: Beautiful Baskets & Jewelry from Trading for Treasures

December 7, 2011

Written by Megan Pangborn, mom of 3 boys, from Denver, Colorado

Holidays come and go and the endless to do list of gifts to buy keeps most of us running around throughout December. Does it feel like a chore or do you feel excited by the things you are finding? Well, this year I have stumbled on an amazing nonprofit and one that I highly recommend for your gift giving needs. Check out the beautiful baskets and jewelry from Trading for Treasures. This Denver based nonprofit’s mission is to empower women through trade. This is my Fair Trade Christmas and I am challenging you to do the same. I already feel a great sense of peace in the things that I am buying. Not only are my friends and family getting beautiful jewelry and baskets but 100% of the profits go straight back to the communities in Rwanda. These women are helping to heal a country torn apart in the 1994 genocide. Because of this, 70% of the country are women who are now in charge of supporting their families. The purchase of one medium sized basket will pay for a year of healthcare for these women and their families! That fact alone made me want to share this with you.

Here are some of the women making the baskets.

The large and medium sized baskets are both perfect for the center of your table to hold fruit or for decoration. I actually bought a large one for my dining room and a medium one for my kitchen. They also have loops on the back for easy hanging. I could seriously decorate my whole house with these they are so beautiful! Check out www.trading4treasures.org and start shopping for a cause.

Here is an example of the basket in use. Gorgeous!

Looking at these pieces of art I feel connected to the women who made them. It’s a reminder every time I look at them that these baskets are special. So join us in spreading the word . . . any bit helps. Please forward this to your friends and family. But shhhh, not my mom…she hasn’t opened her gift yet.

This is one of my favorite photos. Love seeing these smiling faces! To learn more about this nonprofit and what you can do to help visit www.tradingfortreasures.com.

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Category: Brilliant, Holidays

7 Comments »

Connie Stevinson
on December 7, 2011 11:14 am
It is because of people like Megan that projects to help the poorest of the poor gain traction! Megan hosted a wonderful party at her home to introduce her friends to the concept of changing the way we shop to help change the world. If you would like to host a similar party, please email me at Connie@TradingForTreasures.org. Thank you in advance for your support!
Karen
on December 7, 2011 6:14 pm
This a really neat cause. I love my basket and looks great on my wall!
Maria Hilsmier
on December 8, 2011 11:27 am
What a way to give back and embrace the true meaning of Christmas!! The baskets are beautiful! Thanks for the post and the inspiration!
karlynn
on December 9, 2011 8:19 am
We’ve seen these products and they are SO AMAZING! Beautiful bowls, wonderful necklaces and bracelets (all sizes) and you get to feel good that you are helping others that REALLY need it. Thanks for getting the word ou Meg!
Laurie
on December 12, 2011 10:04 pm
Their work is truly beautiful! Thanks for sharing this.
Amy Sunahara
on December 13, 2011 12:34 am
I am so glad that Megan brought these baskets to my attention. I attended a party she and her friends put together to benefit Trading for Treasures, and I cannot tell you the beauty and intricacy of which these baskets are made. Then to think of the tragedies these women have experienced and can still bring such beauty to life is truly amazing. I had no problem making several purchases for my family from Trading for Treasures this Christmas, as Megan can attest! This is such a wonderful way to support women, and I am in great admiration of these Rwandans, as well as Megan and Connie for bringing these wonderful products to us!
barbara Lujan
on May 31, 2019 7:37 pm
i would like a rosary from the church that
our lady asked to be built for her made by
ladies from Ruwanda