Fair Trade International Market

Carrying on the Fair-Trade Mission
COVID-19 has put many holiday plans on hold, but organizers of the 2020 Fair Trade International Market at Westminster Presbyterian Church are implementing safety protocols designed to give shoppers space to navigate a carefully curated selection of gifts, home goods and accessories made in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and East Texas. Doors to Westminster’s Fellowship Hall will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fri., Nov. 20, and 9 a.m. to noon, Sat., Nov. 21. Shoppers are required to wear masks when browsing inside the building and hand sanitizer is available at the entrance and the checkout.

While Westminster Elder Dr. Tony Thompson developed event safety guidelines, Elder Terri Moehring worked closely with Joanie Cooksey of Ten Thousand Villages to choose which products will be available through the 2020 sale. Ten Thousand Villages is a global maker-to-market fair trade partner committed to investing in partnerships that empower communities. Cooksey will be on site during the 2020 market to share artisan stories.

Hand-woven baskets are popular with Nacogdoches shoppers seeking functional storage to corral clutter. Makers from Rishilpi Handicrafts Limited in Bangladesh are grateful for fair wages and job security. Rishipli employees more than 2,000 artisans and transforms communities by investing in schools and health care services. 

Holiday hosts may appreciate hand-made kitchen accessories made from hearty and sustainable materials. A simple cheese and charcuterie presentation can become a centerpiece when served with the benefit of supporting Cambodian artists with Rajana Association. “Rajana” means “design” in Khmer and Rajana Association focuses helps maintain and rebuild Cambodia’s rich cultural craft traditions.

Statement jewelry makes a bigger impact when created by hand in India. Asha Handicrafts Association provides opportunities for artisans in and around Mumbai. Asha (Sanskrit for “hope”) was formed with the objective of preserving crafts of India through marketing them abroad and providing training to maintain traditional development.

The 2020 event also features gifts made by church members, including preserves, wood crafts and ornaments. Sales of locally made items benefit area mission outreach for LOVE INC of Nacogdoches, Community RX, Nacogdoches County United Way, Women's Shelter of East Texas, Nacogdoches H.O.P.E., Christian Women's & Men's Job Corps and the Nacogdoches Senior Center.

The 2020 Fair Trade International Market includes price points to fit most budgets with items ranging from $2 to $80. Cash, check and credit card payments will be accepted. 

Westminster Presbyterian Church is a designated Texas Historic Landmark that traces its roots to the first Protestant minister to be ordained on Texas soil. The invitation to worship at Westminster Church is always open to persons who wish to join us in witness and service to Jesus Christ. If you are interested in church membership or desire more information about this congregation, please call the church office at 936-564-0203.