Lights In The Darkness
Branden Harvey, founder of goodgoodgood.co and publisher of the Goodnewsletter and the Goodnewspaper, knows that there is a lot of injustice in this world. In his publications he doesn’t make an attempt to hide that fact. What he does do, though, is showcase good people doing good things, even in bad situations. I find his upbeat but realistic articles a refreshing break from the constant negativity that inundates me on a daily basis. When I started DVM For Hope, I felt that it was important to show that there is light in the darkness. This light is the reason I finish my blog posts, even when they deal with the worst problems this world has to offer, with concrete ways for people to make a positive impact.
When I sat down at my desk, I didn’t actually plan to write a post about products made by trafficking victims. My intention was simply to update my “Important Links” page with a list of online stores that employed girls and women rescued from trafficking. I made a goal to find three or four good ones, but I ended up finding ten before I stopped searching. All of these stores offer beautiful gifts and fashions made by, or for the benefit of, former trafficking victims. They train the girls and women who make and market the goods and give them a chance to heal and grow. With this training, they provide just a little bit of light in the darkness.
Below, I’ve provided these links to the ten stores I discovered in my online search. The list isn’t exhaustive, and I’m willing to bet that if you do your own search, you’ll come up with even more. I’ve given you a good start, though.
The list (in no particular order):
1. Sari Bari: Products made from secondhand saris Click Here
2. Good Paper: Handmade cards Click Here
3. International Sanctuary: Unique jewelry Click Here
4. Sudara: “Punjammies,” yoga pants, and other fashions Click Here
5. The Butterfly Project: Another collection of unique jewelry Click Here
6. The Shop For Freedom: Bags, satchels, jewelry and other gifts Click Here
7. Relevee: Luxury jewelry Click Here
8. Freeset: Bags, scarves and tees Click Here
9. To The Market: Jewelry, apparel, cards, and gifts Click Here
10. Her Future Coalition: Another collection of unique jewelry Click Here
My challenge to you is this: next time you need a gift for someone, maybe a birthday gift, a thank you gift, or a gift just to show you care, buy it from one of these vendors. Not only will you be giving them a nice gift, but you’ll be playing a small but important part in the healing of someone special.
M.