Campus & Community / Magazine Feature

Alternative gift market benefits artisans worldwide

Twenty-one nonprofit organizations will participate in an alternative gift market Nov. 7–8 at the University Park United Methodist Church located across from the DU campus at 2180 S. University Blvd.

The event was the idea of DU staff and students involved in the International Society ABA (Anywhere but Antarctica) and International Student Organization. These groups represent international students studying at DU and students who have returned from studying abroad.

“We share a common interest, of course, in different nationalities, but we also care about people in need,” says Nicole Ibanez, a DU study-abroad adviser. “A practical way to help is by purchasing products that directly benefit those people, and there are many organizations that do that. By bringing some of these groups together in one place we are trying to help the people selling the products as well as the people in the DU and University Park communities.”

The organizations will showcase various items — including jewelry, tea, ornaments and toys — from 4–7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, and 10 a.m. –2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8.

“This is a fantastic chance for people to knock out some Christmas shopping,” Ibanez says. “All products are handmade and unique, and the purchase of these products directly benefits people in need.”

Christina Redwine will be there representing People of Hope Crafts, a Denver-based organization that sells art made by people from El Salvador.

“We currently work with 16 artisan co-ops from the Chelatenango region and areas surrounding the capitol, San Salvador,” Redwine says. “Having returned from El Salvador in February, I am an eyewitness to the need of the artisans.”

Works are made in Africa, Nepal, South America and other places worldwide, and sales benefit the artisans.

Organizers ask that shoppers bring cash or checks, as not all organizations will have credit card processing machines.

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