Does Dear Old Dad really deserve to find yet another tie under the tree this Christmas morning?
If not, unique gift-giving opportunities are available at the Alternative Gift Fair, held Saturday, Dec. 6 at Clarkston United Methodist Church.
The event began in 2005, and has continued to grow each year.
‘We originally wanted a place where people could go to buy gifts that actually make a difference,? said Carrie Gilkerson, co-chair of this year’s event. ‘Whether right here in our community, or across the world.?
At the Alternative Gift Fair, shoppers can learn about and choose from a number of charities and make a donation in the names of family members, friends, co-workers, teachers and others.
A variety of handicrafts from around the world are also available for purchase.
‘We have quite a large selection of toys, musical instruments, clothes jewelry, holiday ornaments, pottery, scarves, and blankets,? said Gilkerson. ‘You name it, we have it, and everything is fair-trade.?
According to the World Fair Trade Organization, fair trade is a partnership based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade.
Supporters of fair trade contribute to sustainable development by advocating better trading conditions and securing the rights of marginalized workers, especially in third-world and developing countries.
Shoppers can purchase goods from fair trade retailers like Ten Thousand Villages, the largest fair-trade, non-profit retailer in North America.
Purchasing gifts from Ten Thousand Villages, said event coordinators, helps provide income to Third World artisans in 32 countries.
Dolls from Peru, handmade items from Brazil and Honduras are also available, and purchase of coffee, tea and chocolate from Equal Exchange helps farmers in Latin America, Africa and Asia remain on their land and care for the environment.
Last year’s fair brought in more than $10,000 for local, national and international organizations, addressing world problems like poverty, hunger, abuse and disaster.
Organizations represented at this year’s event include Ten Thousand Villages, Equal Exchange, Heifer International, Reach Out Children’s Fund, Grace Centers of Hope, HAVEN, ESTHERS Children, UMCOR, Helping Hearts Helping Hands, Remnant Project Ministries and Precious Children’s Respite Home.
The Alternative Gift Fair takes place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m, Saturday, Dec. 6 at Clarkston United Methodist Church, 6600 Waldon Road.
For more information call 248-625-1611 or check out the Clarkston United Methodist Church website at www.clarkstonumc.org for specific information and links to groups represented at the fair.