To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton for inviting The World Artisan of Potsdam in for their Fair Trade sale on April 3.

The church spent the morning examining the concept of faith and fair trade with stories for children, a sermon, and a sale to benefit their youth group. A search on the Internet will reveal not only did fair trade start within a faith community, but religious communities continue to strongly support and advocate for the fair trade movement. I am happy the church focused on this important social justice issue.

This was our first fundraiser for The World Artisan shop and I am happy to say it was a success. Late in the fall of 2010, we devised a fund raising program. We believe it is important to offer both religious and community groups the opportunity to earn money for their organizations in a meaningful way. The UU youth group earned about $200 within only a 1 1/2 hour sale.

The youth were not involved in door to door selling, carrying around order forms and asking family and friends to buy things like in usual fundraisers. Our shop handles the bulk of duties related to organizing a fundraiser. The church may choose to take on a leadership role with press releases and the like if they prefer.

If your church or community organization is interested in hosting a fundraiser through The World Artisan, please contact us at 261-4844 or info@theworldartisan.com for more details. We look forward to working with you.

Robin and David Crowell,

owners, The World Artisan, A Fair Trade Shop and Gallery

Potsdam