The 19th annual Fiesta World Craft Bazaar at the Filberg Centre this Saturday from 10 to 4 is fun and family-friendly, for your family and the families of the artisans.
There are so many delightful small items that a child can buy as a present and at the same time they are learning how to help other children around the world. Fair trade products give the artisans of the world a greater financial return and the opportunity to take better care of their own children.
Fiesta also provides childcare, face-painting, and puppets thanks to the Isfeld and Vanier secondary school Interact Clubs.
As you wind your way around Canada’s largest fair trade global craft fair on both floors of the Filberg Centre, you will be amazed at the level of craftsmanship, beautiful baskets from Ghana and Bali and Uganda, novel leather purses from Senegal, intricate carpets from Nepal, stone carvings from Kenya, textiles, jewelry, musical instruments, clothing, pottery and so much more.
There are over 40 vendors arriving from Vancouver, Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Cortes Island and our own local organizations and businesses involved in making a fairer world.
As usual, fiesta will feature some new products and businesses. Amigo Gifts from Vancouver will sell attractive wine and gift bags from Guatemalan weavers. The Gathering Place from Cortes Island will offer teas from South Africa and spices from India.
This year, Fiesta will have an exciting selection of basketballs, volleyballs, and soccer balls from a fair trade factory in Pakistan that does not use child labour.
Mandy Vanderveen, a Grade 12 student from Vanier, is bringing in warm crocheted toques from a great women’s project in Uganda. The Green Room from our own Fifth Street in Courtenay will showcase fair trade products they carry in their store, such as organic cotton bed sheets from Egypt, a country that can really use a hand up.
Unique Batik will come down from Campbell River and present some gorgeous baskets and clothing and more from Indonesia. The Tabitha Foundation works in Cambodia and will sell silk products, and jewelry to support women in their many projects.
Of course, all of your favourites will be back, including Global Village Nanaimo with their cuddly teddy bears.
Get some Christmas gifts and do the right thing at the same time — at the Fiesta World Craft Bazaar.
— Fiesta World Craft Bazaar