When you hear "school fundraiser," images of bake sales, wrapping paper drives, and car washes undoubtedly pop into your mind. Though I feel strongly about supporting my kids’ schools, I have to admit, I just don’t need any more wrapping paper. Time to try something new!
Here’s an idea with an eco and socially responsible twist. Global Goods Partners’ (GGP) school fundraising program provides an easy to implement online sale of handcrafted, fair trade products from artisans around the world (see examples below).
1 These Recycled Paper Bracelets are made by rolling strips of discarded magazine pages into tightly formed beads.
2 Recycled Messenger bags covered with old comic strips has a large zippered front pocket, a cell phone pouch, and an adjustable shoulder strap.
3 The Long Red Paper Beads Necklace is made from recycled paper that's hand-rolled and individually strung.
Each of the more than 400 products comes with its own story. For example, GGP partner Friends-International in Cambodia works with parents of former street children and high-risk youth to create bags and jewelry using recycled newspapers, comics, magazines, sarong fabric, and rice bags. The sale of which helps provide health care, education, counseling, and cultural activities for 1,800 children and families and 20,000 high-risk children who live and work on the streets Phnom Penh.
You can raise up to 30% on every sale for your school while helping communities around the world—plus all products meet the environmental standard required by membership to the Fair Trade Federation and Green America.
Click here to find out more information about Global Goods Partners School Fundraising program.
Francesca Olivieri is co-founder of sage baby, an online eco-friendly baby store offering everything from organic clothes and skin care to furniture. She also runs a green consulting business; blogs for The Family Groove and Scenic Hudson; and contributes to Daily Candy Kids, YogaCity, Citiscoop, and NRDC’s Simple Steps. Please visit her website at FrancescaOlivieri.com.
From: Danielle | 11/1/10 at 2:18 pm
Thanks so much for this post...I am the Green Committee Chair at my sons school and I am always on the look out for better fund raisers!!!!
From: Francesca | 11/3/10 at 11:42 am
I have ordered a bunch of the stuff myself and it is really nice. I think it is a great way to do a fundraiser. Thanks for reading!
From: Augusta Reese | 1/7/11 at 1:52 pm
This is fantastic! Great information.
From: Cindy Strobel | 2/2/11 at 1:23 pm
I have 2 grown boys who are now Eagle scouts. When we did fund raising. We sold live Christmas trees and wreaths. These folks always delivered on time and the customers were always happy with the product and ordered year after year. here is their site:
http://wn.com/Mickman_Brothers_Christmas_Wreath_Fundraiser