Imagine when your shopping can make a difference to people around the world in developing countries. Buying gifts for people in your life can be much more meaningful when those gifts are supporting artisans and their craft in developing nations.

By doing your shopping with Ten Thousand Villages you are contributing to a global economy. Your shopping is helping people make a living; your purchases are changing lives.

That sounds like the best shopping scenario around.

Holly DeGraaf, Director of Retail Operations and Public Relations from Ten Thousand Villages, shares how they emphasize opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their unique handmade products and stories to the market through long-term, fair trading relationships.

Men and women around the world have a simple dream - to earn an honest living, provide a home, food and education for their children, and to provide for their families in a way that brings dignity and joy. Ten Thousand Villages partners with thousands of artisans in a healthy business relationship.

Often referred to as ‘Fair Trade,' the philosophy of helping to build a sustainable future is based on the principle that trade should have a conscience. Through Fair Trade, artisans receive respect, dignity and hope from working hard and earning fair value for their work.

This season, as you shop till you drop forget the crowded malls and consider going online to http://www.tenthousandvillages.ca and doing some shopping that can bring the true spirit of giving to people around the world.