On behalf of the Bunyaad Oriental Rug Program at Ten Thousand Villages in Ephrata, Pa., and the 850 artisan families that we work with in Pakistan, we thank the greater Asheville community for a fantastic eighth Fair Trade Oriental Rug Event held at the Lutheran Church of the Nativity in Arden, and hosted by Ten Thousand Villages at 10 College St. in Asheville.
This event helps to provide employment with a living wage to adult artisans in Pakistan who knot Oriental carpets within their homes. This year the rug artisans are especially challenged by the rising costs of food and other necessities of living. Rugs sold at this event provided jobs with a living wage that will help sustain the artisans during this difficult time. The Asheville community was not only supportive in their purchases of these pieces all crafted by fairly paid adults but also in their willingness to help promote this special event.
We thank the local businesses and individuals that have helped to promote this event by hosting brochures and posters. Thank you for this kind reception and for supporting fair trade and making a difference in the world!
— Dede Leister
Ten Thousand Villages
Ephrata, Pa.
