Orphan Prevention Through Job Creation
Purchase with a Purpose.
Wouldn’t it be great to have control over where all of our spending dollars go? There are so many instances where it’s just not possible especially when it comes to spending on many of life’s necessities.
The good news is, there are times when we do have choices. And those choices can be empowering not only for ourselves but for the person or organization we choose to support. Whether it’s visiting a neighborhood business or purchasing fresh produce from a farmers market, local purchases are necessary and important. It builds community, support and our dollars go toward investing into the local economy.
Building onto this concept of community support, and additionally meaningful at least for me, is the ability to support a neighbor beyond our borders.
Several years ago I was introduced to a company called Papillon Marketplace. Papillon, the Creole word for butterfly, offers jewelry and home decor all handcrafted by local artisans in Haiti.
Papillon Marketplace was founded by Shelly Jean who, after spending some time at an orphanage in Haiti, learned that many of these children had parents who were living but were too poor to support them.
Since then she has poured her heart and soul into creating “jobs for mothers and fathers who don’t want to have to abandon their children to an orphanage because they can’t feed them.”
- Papillon Empowerment is a certified 501(c)3 charity
- Verified member of the Fair Trade Federation.
- Papillon’s mission statement:
“Papillon Empowerment promotes charitable and humanitarian efforts, particularly in Haiti, by assisting with and facilitating job skills training, offering assistance with documentation to become job ready, aiding in acquiring the necessary tools and resources to secure a job, being a resource for emergency relief and humanitarian aid when necessary, and to provide holistic support for parents in poverty by assisting in areas related to their children’s well-being.“
A few years back I had the opportunity to visit Papillon in Haiti. There were so many beautifully handcrafted items to choose from. I lugged home half a suitcase of creative and unique gifts. Friends and loved ones were the lucky recipients of my “purchase with a purpose.” And as I watched them open their gifts I could hardly wait to tell them the story behind each one.
Bon Bagay!
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So interesting. I’ve learned so much from Blue Cactus . Keep it up !!