Last Friday night I had the pleasure of participating in Shopping With Purpose at the New City Studio. People gathered to do their shopping with a specific purpose in mind, to help others in the process. Each vendor gave a portion of their proceeds to a social justice project or charity. It was one of the most gratifying experiences to watch people interact and purchase my items. Even more gratifying was being able to give half of all my proceeds from the night to Mercy Ministries.
I was set up next to Ransom Me. She had some of the most beautiful jewelry made from bullet casings and feathers. 40% of her proceeds went to Streetlight USA.
One of my favorite new organizations was there also. Wallets for Water makes wallets out of old neck ties and the proceeds build water wells for villages in India. I got the privilege of volunteering with them not that long ago sewing wallets.
Rayetta’s Homemade Treasures was also there. Rayetta sews quilted handbags and donates a portion of the proceeds from every sale to assist people in the Phoenix area living with HIV/AIDS.
Barrio Bikes: Barrio Bikes offers new and used bicycles and parts, quality repair services, and educational training as a burgeoning micro-enterprise of Neighborhood Ministries in downtown Phoenix.
Natalie Gammill, Henna artist, provided temporary tattoos. 100% of the donations go to support the Ashish Center.
One of my favorites of the night was Hand and Cloth. I’m so happy I met them and was able to hear a bit about their mission. Hand & Cloth works with the women of Bangladesh, helping them gain job skills, develop into leaders and entrepreneurs, and experience Biblical values lived out. Working together, the women stitch kantha, a traditional two-sided blanket made from repurposed vintage sari cloth.
It was such a pleasure to be involved in such a great event. I met so many amazing people with a heart for others. I can’t wait to do it again in the future.