Do a World of Good - wedding favors & bridesmaid gifts under $5

  Fair trade products from World of Good

Looking for unique wedding favors and bridesmaids gifts that make a world of difference?

You can do that twice over — and even save a world of money — at the World of Good Sample Sale and Fundraiser this weekend, July 25th and 26th.

World of Good offers an extensive line of stylish, handmade fair trade accessories, gifts and housewares that enable artisans in over 70 countries to earn a sustainable living wage — making their products the perfect favor or gift purchase for couples wanting to make a positive impact on people and the planet.

Co-founder Siddharth Sanghvi says, “World of Good’s mission is to allow people to make a difference with their purchasing dollars. We want to connect artisan communities around the world with consumers in the west so that when they buy something they can improve the quality of life for artisans around the world.”

Their ethically sourced and eco-friendly products can be found at stores like Whole Foods and Wegmans, and on its much lauded online marketplace, WorldofGood.com, which was launched in collaboration with Ebay in September 2008.

This weekend, however, World of Good is opening up its warehouse doors in Emeryville, California to host an important fundraiser for its non-profit sister arm, the World of Good Development Organization.

Everything will be virtually 90% off and all items will be under $5.

Sanghvi says you’ll be sure to find that perfectly matching necklace or scarf for your bridesmaids — or a favor that’s not only useful, but also meaningful — at the sale.

You will be able to browse through aisles and aisles of samples, seconds and overstock items of handcrafted jewelry, hand-woven scarves, totes made from recycled material, eco-friendly home décor, and many other gifts and accessories.
 

  Freshwater well built in Kenyan soapstone carving community
  through micro-grant raised by World of Good fundraising event.

Granting a World of Good

Fifty percent of the profits from the fundraiser will go to micro-grants that will help eliminate poverty and raise the standard of living in artisan communities overseas.

The goal is to raise $10,000. Last year, similar fundraising projects raised over $25,000 and enabled World of Good to build two freshwater wells in a soapstone carving community in Kenya. Prior to the wells, the artisans had to walk three hours a day to access clean water. Some have used the time they have saved to start a community garden and a sewing cooperative. Funds have also been used to build a school in Guatemala, create an on-site medical facility that provides basic health care services at an artisan’s workshop in India, and supply mosquito nets in yet another worker community.

  Custom-made clay coasters made in North India, given
  as favors at Siddharth Sanghvi's 2007 wedding.

Generating Good Karma

Sanghvi says couples who have bought favors through World of Good have asked to leave the “story cards” attached — which tell the background of who made the product and how they made it. “They wanted guests to see and appreciate the story behind it. It was a joyous occasion for them and instead of buying a tchotchke that was made in China, they were able to buy something that had more meaning. They felt they were generating good karma.”

“It’s a pretty easy decision” for couples who end up purchasing World of Good favors, says Sanghvi. “When you’re buying 150 or so items, it allows you to make a significant impact and help a lot of people.”

See Sanghvi’s suggestions for the top 10 wedding favors and bridesmaid gifts from World of Good in the slideshow below.

Event Details

WHEN:                Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26, 9AM - 4PM

WHERE:              6315 Doyle Street, Emeryville, CA 94608 (Corner of 64th and Doyle)