It was a challenge. A small town church with ambition to serve the community, to be an active member of the community at large. If that’s not enough, St. Andrew’s, Picton, Ont., decided to open a Ten Thousand Villages store, which sells only fair trade items. That meant money. As we reported in April: “When we’re looking into a partnership, we first look at the people,” said Beverly Hiebert, director of sales for Canada at Ten Thousand Villages. ‘Is there enough energy or driving force to support a store long-term? Then we look at the community. Is there a potential volunteer base?’”
Well, she was blown away by St. Andrew’s pitch. They tested the idea over Christmas and grossed nearly $40,000 in sales.
The store is open now—if you’re in the neighbourhood, drop in, pick up a bauble or two.
