Last month I told you how Traidcraft began.  Now for a little about Traidcraft Exchange, the charity side.

There are many small producers; farmers and craftsmen in the under-developed countries who need help.  Marketing skills, what goods can be sold locally and what will sell in Europe, North America and Australia.  How to improve the quality of their goods, diversify and watch changing fashions.

One small example: women who had mangoes to spare took them to the local market but found that other women had a lot to sell too.  They were offered advice about drying their fruit and provided with the necessary equipment.  The women working together could have a regular income, money for education of their children, medical facilities or a well, whatever was most needed.  I sell dried mango and dried pineapple, so know the advice of Traidcraft Exchange was good and the marketing of the produce was a success.

The charity is working with producers from places where at the moment their products are not available here but the work goes on.

Next month the new catalogue will be available so please come and look. If you find a product to buy, you will be improving the standard of living of someone, somewhere.