We did it! The Peace Exchange opens new sewing center in Bukavu

Thanks to your WONDERFUL support, our fearless leaders Katie and Iris were able to open up our second sewing center on their recent trip to the Congo. With your help, The Peace Exchange raised more than $15,000 via Kickstarter to get the new center up and running, doubling the number of women we are able to employ.

Education is not free in the Congo, and the jobs created by this new sewing center in the city of Bukavu help our seamstresses (most of them single mothers) provide schooling for their children.

We are so thrilled, and we could not have done it without your help! Thank you!!

Visit ThePeaceExchange.com for more information and to see the items being made by these incredible women in the Congo.

World Fair Trade Day

World Fair Trade Days always falls on the second Saturday in May.  

Today, May 9, 2015 we celebrate fair trade workers/artisans across the globe.  

The World Fair Trade Organization facilitates the annual event each year with a new theme and focus. http://wfto.com

This year the title is "Be an Agent of Change" as stated on their website, "Fair Trade is an agent for change. It is a tangible solution to poverty eradication, a good tool for sustainable development, and most of all Fair Trade promotes social justice."  http://wfto.com/events/world-fair-trade-day

In just returning from a trip working with our artisans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we can say first hand how fair trade is an agent for change.  Helping women and children rise out of conditions where they we not able to buy food to now saving money for their children's education and providing food for their families... Yes, fair trade does promote tangible solutions to eradicate poverty.  

To partner with us in fair trade, visit our website www.ThePeaceExchage.com to learn more.  Volunteers are always needed and products purchased keep our women working in fair trade, which is a true 'agent of change'!  

Full Moon Hikes for Nepal

On Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3, The Peace Exchange partnered with Back Country Yoga and Meditation to host three full moon hikes—two in the evening and one in the morning—proceeds of which went directly to Chhahari Organization Nepal to provide food, water and basic necessities for children and families devastated by the recent earthquake in Nepal.

Founded in 2007 by Laguna Beach native Christine Casey, Chhahari (meaning "shelter" in Nepali) in Kathmandu is home to more than 20 young villagers who are either without parents or whose parents are unable to care for them. And since the earthquake and its aftershocks ravaged Nepal, the group has been working non-stop to collect clothing, food, water and supplies for as many people as they can.

The donation-based hikes and yoga classes began with beginner/intermediate treks to peaceful locations, where the group was led through calming yoga flows by some of Back Country Yoga's experienced instructors.

For information on future full moon hikes or to learn how to donate to the relief efforts in Nepal, please contact The Peace Exchange.

When life hands you lemons... make lemonade!  We were supposed to be in Nepal and missed the earthquake by one day.  Due to the natural disaster, the airport was closed - causing members of The Peace Exchange Board of Directors to find an alternative place to travel.  Things do not always go according to plan... Africa to Nepal became Africa to Austria.  One of our fellow board members lives in Vienna and we were so lucky to be able to transfer flights and land in Europe.  Taking a couple of days to acclimate we are back to work in Vienna.  Discussing marketing/branding and designing our new Peace Exchange t-shirts.  Board members from across the globe unite and work together in fair trade and design to help Congo.  Stay tuned for 3 shirt lines to soon unfold!  www.ThePeaceExchange.com 

Women of The Peace Exchange

It has been an incredible 2 weeks in Democratic Republic of Congo.  What has been the most impactful is seeing the transformation in the lives of our seamstresses within one year.  While our efforts were to open a second sewing center, which we did, we also wanted to spend quality time with our artisans and check in with them.  What I found was inspiring.  Not only are the women doing much better, they have found a sense of true community with one another - a sister-hood so to speak. Women who have very little and who have experienced much hardship are now working in a joyful environment.  I guess that's why I love fair trade so much.  It empowers at the root level.  It gives hope in the midst of despair.  I have seen with my own two eyes transformation in the lives of women and children.  Enjoy the video and may you too feel uplifted by the work being done in Congo.  I love these women!!!!  - Katie Bond, Founder of The Peace Exchange.