Trade Expressions Launches Fair Trade Fundraising

Stillwater, MN, September 10, 2008 --(PR.com)-- School, church and non-profit fundraising efforts now can make a global impact while making money to benefit their organizations. Trade Expressions launched a new web site on September 5th offering a Fair Trade alternative to traditional candy-and-wrapping-paper fundraising sales programs. The web site – www.tradeexpressions.com – features an online collection of Fair Trade handcrafts and gourmet products from hundreds of artisans and small producers living in over 25 developing countries.

“This is fundraising with a conscience,” says Steve Ackerson, co-founder of Trade Expressions. “Our mission is to develop Fair Trade partnerships that strengthen communities throughout the world -- social and economic development is a priority. In offering these products as part of a fundraising effort, fundraisers both learn about and support these global producers.”

While anyone can buy, Trade Expressions will primarily promote and sell these products through school, church and other non-profit organization fundraisers. Purchasers of the Fair Trade products can select to have a portion of their purchase price credited to the organization they support. Trade Expressions administers the program and establishes long-term partnerships with the fundraising organization.

The Products and the People
The Fair Trade products offered on Trade Expressions’ web site include a variety of fashion accessories, home furnishings and kitchen/dining items; as well as premium coffee, tea and chocolate. But the products also come with the stories of the people and places behind them – stories that are featured on both the web site and on a card shipped with each item.

“These products are compelling on their merits alone,” says Ackerson. “But their stories add a human factor that is both inspirational and humbling; they bring the global element to life.”

The Global Impact
Trade Expressions’ web site also educates users about the Fair Trade movement – a fast-growing international effort to seek greater equity in international trade, especially for small, disadvantaged producers. Organizations like the International Fair Trade Association work to promote an internationally recognized set of standards and practices that include fair wages, safe working conditions, gender equity and sustainable environmental practices.

For Ackerson, Fair Trade is one part of the solution to extreme poverty. “The World Bank estimates that more than one billion people – one sixth of the population – live on less than $1 a day,” he says. “Trade Expressions not only gives people an opportunity to make a difference through Fair Trade purchases, but hopes to inspire additional conversation and action on international development issues.”

Trade Expressions, based in Stillwater, Minnesota, was founded in 2007 by Steve Ackerson, a former elementary teacher and e-learning designer and Ian Elverum, a software engineer and web developer. The organization seeks to provide local non-profit organizations with fundraising opportunities that also support small producers in the developing world.

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