The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Fair trade
Mission Marketplace thinking globally
By Edward Freundl, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: May 10, 2007
"Shop locally. Help globally."
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That is the abiding attitude behind The Mission Marketplace, a store that is dedicated to the principles of fair trade.
Executive Director Kevin Frahm describes it as "treating people with respect, and assures that the people who make our items receive a living wage, and are using environmentally friendly practices."
Unlike most retail establishments, the Mission Marketplace is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, which Frahm said replaces the profit motive with a desire "to work toward a more equitable and just world."
"We're an independent, nonprofit, and volunteer-supported fair trade store, with a board of directors who takes no compensation," Frahm said.
The store, located at 117 S. Main St., across from the Common Grill restaurant, is celebrating World Fair Trade Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Among the activities and items planned are a bubble machine, children doing African drumming, treats from around the world, Peruvian gourd art, and clothing and jewelry from Nepal.
The aim of Saturday's global observance, according to the International Fair Trade Association, is to promote a stronger global awareness of fair trade principles and campaign for justice in trade.
"We've been warmly received in Chelsea," Frahm said. "We're most excited about the opportunities for educating people about fair trade and social investing."
Fair trade products, including Frahm's best-sellers of chocolate, coffee and tea, clothing, jewelry and handcrafts, come from marginalized communities throughout the developing world.
"We have had items in here from 49 different countries, including the United States," Frahm said. "You don't have to go outside our country to find people in need."
The principles of fair trade are really the principles for living a better life, Frahm noted.
"As a father, the love I feel for my children is special but not unique," he said. "All (the people who make our products) want is a better life for their kids. How dare I not at least try to lift them up so they are able to have a better life."
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