Shop Smarter

In my last post I listed several things you could do that cost you nothing to help raise awareness on the issue of human trafficking.  I mentioned that the list was not exhaustive, but merely a starting point. 

Since then, there have been several other sites that been brought to my attention that I wanted to share with you.  These sites have items to purchase, where our dollars go further than we think.  Some of them generate income for women who have been rescued.  Some generate income to prevent women and families from selling their children, siblings, or themselves into the vile world of trafficking.  Again, this list is not exhaustive. 

1.  www.byTavi.com.  This organization is near and dear to my friends, The Gogis Family.  Gary was first asked to be involved by designing the website for this company.  A guy they knew from church, Chris,  began The Center for Global Impact.  Purchases made from this site help generate income for women in Cambodia, preventing them from entering into the bondage of trafficking.  My favorite item from Tavi are the scarves.  Affordable, yet stylish, these would make great gifts and a great alternative to the scarves at the kiosk in the mall.   

2.  Another CGI company is called Daughters.  I have to tell you, this one makes me wish I had a reason to buy a fancy dress.  These girls were actually rescued from their sexual slavery, rehabilitated, and taught to sew professionally.  They began a line of Prom Dresses, all hand made, which can actually be purchased at a bridal/prom store in the Indianapolis area.

3.  CGI Gift Guide.  Like the resource list that comes out from other organizations, this guide shows just how far your dollar can stretch in these poverty stricken countries.  I listed this particular source, due to their work in Cambodia, one of the poorest countries and consequently has high numbers in the trafficking industry. 

4.  Jewelry from the ApParent Project.  This is the organization that I mentioned the other day that I am collecting cereal boxes for.  Which reminds me, do you have any cereal boxes to add to my shipment?

5.  Better Life Bags.  This one does not have a direct link to trafficking.  BUT what Rebecca has done with her blog and her handmade creations is worth a shout-out.  She works with Kiva to help fund entrepreneurs in impoverished countries.  And since many countries that have severe poverty also have a high trafficking rate, one can assume that this helps combat trafficking by generating income, as well.  And even if you don't want need a bag, you can join the Kiva team.  There is no minimum to give.  Let's say you give $25 towards one of these loans.  Once that loan has been paid back by the borrower, it can be directly applied to help someone else.  It will continue to cycle unless you pull it out.  Quite literally a gift that keeps on giving.  Cool, huh?

6.  The Body Shop.  Purchase one of their Soft Hands Kind Hearts Hand Creams and aid in the fight against trafficking.  Visit The Body Shop link above for more details.     

7.  She Has A Name T-shirts.  $12.  Visit The Shock Family blog for more details. 

I hope you consider some of these when making your next internet purchase.  YOU can make a difference!