Archive for the ‘Doing Good’ Category

Pangea Collection Celebrates Mother’s & Fair Trade Days by Giving Back

April 15, 2009

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and there is an important reason to celebrate mom this year. Pangea-Collection.com with your help is giving back to moms around the world. Purchasing a piece of fair trade artisan jewelry from Pangea-Collection.com is a gift that gives – to your mom and to moms around the world, though a $1 donation from every online order going to Opportunity International.

Pangea-Collection.com offers a distinctive selection of handcrafted fair trade and artisan jewelry from around the world. Starting from just $20, the site’s mother’s day gift guide has a perfect gift selection for every personality. Moreover, many of the pieces on Pangea-Collection.com are exquisite works of jewelry art created by artisans, the majority of whom are women.

Opportunity International is a microenterprise development organisation. They provide small loans – sometimes as little as $50 – and training to help entrepreneurs in the developing world start a business. As business grows, the entrepreneurs develop steady incomes, enabling them to feed, educate and provide for their families. By giving the entrepreneurial poor a “hand up” instead of a “hand out”, Opportunity International helps uplift entire communities through job creation. Founded in 1971, Opportunity International now serves over 1.2 million loan clients. Loan repayment rates are 98%; about 85% of loans go to women. On average each loan supports five family members.

Pangea-Collection.com is on “Mission Mom” honouring mothers but also Fair Trade Day which falls on May 9th, the day before Mother’s Day. There is a meaningful connection here: According to the Fair Trade Federation, 70% of the fair trade artisans are women, who are often the sole wage earners in their homes. Of all the impoverished, women are the poorest. The UN says women do 67% of the world’s work, earn only 10% of the world’s pay and own only 1% of the world’s property. Women are paid 30-40% less than men for comparable work. Women in developing countries work an average of 60-90 hours a week.

Whenever possible, Pangea-Collection.com is committed to working with Fair Trade organisation worldwide, as is witnessed through the variety of Fair Trade Jewelry collections available through the site.

Shop Pangea-collection.com from April 20th to May 4th 2009, and $1 from online orders will be donated to Opportunity International. Offer mom an alluring piece of the world, and cascade it to moms around the world.

As Patricia Pinkney creator of Pangea-Collection.com states, “After years of working in the corporate world, I wanted to do my small part to help enable artisans around the world, especially women. It is especially meaningful on Mother’s Day and Fair Trade Day to recognise the privilege we have living in this wonderful country while at the same time acknowledge that there are mothers around the world who are struggling to support their families. Together we can help them achieve the art of self reliance.”

Spring Bangles

March 15, 2009

Bangles, bangles, bangles! They are a key accessory for spring fashion. Stacked up the arm in bright colors was all over spring fashion week runways.

Bangles continue to be a great investment. They have been “in” for several seasons and don’t seem to be going away soon. For about $20 you can create a currently look to a simple outfit.

Check out Pangea Collection’s bangle collection. Below are some of our favs:

Bangles

Bangles

Celebrate International Women’s Day

March 8, 2009

Celebration International Women’s Day this year by helping women around the world today, March 8th.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated through events around the world in acknowledgement the achievements of women in economic, political and social areas.

IWA was first celebrated in 1911. The years leading up to this first IWD was a time when industrialisation was taking hold. During this time women suffered from oppression and inequality. Women started to stand up for change and in 1908 a group of 15 000 marched in New York City demanding better treatment.

Following this march in 1909 the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Woman’s Day (NWD) in the USA.

In 1911 IWD was officially celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

IWD is now an official holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhastan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

While it is true that woman have made significant strides toward equality, there is still work to be done, around the world. And in particular countries even more so where women are often the victims of violence, lack of educational opportunities and access to adequate healthcare.

Events are held around the globe to inspire women and to celebrate their achievements. The United Nations theme for 2009 IWD is women and men unite to end violence against women and girls.

Not sure how to celebrate? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Read more about IWD on the International Women’s Day website (the source for much of the information above).

http://www.internationalwomensday.com

2. Consider participating in an existing event (you can see a list of events on the IWD or your local women’s organisations.

3. Make a donation to an organisation that supports the development of women. Pangea Collection’s organisation of choice is Opportunity International. Opportunity International is one of the world’s largest micro finance organisations. They provide the working poor with a working choice via small business loans.

This year Opportunity International is creating “The Global Opportunity Quilt” You can buy a virtual square on the quilt for $25. More details at the site below.

http://www.optinnow.org/quilt

What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day?

4. Feel free to purchase something from one of the women artisans at Pangea-Collection.com.

5. Spend time with your mom or girlfriends.

Whatever you decide to do on International Women’s Day. Have a lovely Sunday.

Find Pangea-Collection.com on Facebook

March 5, 2009

Pangea-Collection.com has created a facebook fan page so that customers/friends can interact with us and contribute to our community. You can find Pangea Collection’s fan page here.

Top 15 Fair Trade & Artisan Jewelry Pieces under $20

March 4, 2009

All this doom and gloom has me thinking that it doesn’t have to be so bad. You can buy fair trade and artisan jewelry at very good value. Not only will you pick yourself up with a little bit of retail therapy but you’ll also be helping an artisan support themselves and their family. The gift that gives back!

So I started thinking about a top list of 15 artisan and fair trade jewelry pieces under $20 each including free shipping. I may be a little biased but I think that’s a pretty darn good deal! Better than a piece of chocolate cake – well maybe not better but it won’t end up on my hips!

Here we go top 15 (in no particular order)

1. Sterling Silver Fair Trade Buddha Pendant $19.99

Sterling Silver Fair Trade Buddha Pendant

2. Balinese Filigree Dangling Sterling Silver Heart Earrings $19.99

Balinese Sterling Silver Heart Earrings

Balinese Sterling Silver Heart Earrings

3. Dangling Tagua Seed Earrings $19.99

Tagua Seed Earrings

Tagua Seed Earrings

4. Fair Trade Glass Earrings - Retangular $19.99

Fair Trade Glass Earrings

Fair Trade Glass Earrings

5. Fair Trade Glass Earrings - Square $19.99

Fair Trade Glass Earrings

Fair Trade Glass Earrings

6. Fair Trade Tagua Seed Earrings $19.99

Fair Trae Tagua Seed Earrings

Fair Trae Tagua Seed Earrings

7. Fair Trade Copper Bangle $19.99

Fair Trade Copper Bangle

Fair Trade Copper Bangle

8. Fair Trade Glass Ring $19.99

Fair Trade Glass Ring

Fair Trade Glass Ring

9. Hand Painted Fair Trade Copper Earrings $19.99

Hand Painted Fair Trade Copper Earrings

Hand Painted Fair Trade Copper Earrings

10. Painted Fair Trade Glass Rings $19.99

Fair Trade Blue Flower Ring

Fair Trade Blue Flower Ring

11. Fair Trade Wood Bangle $19.99

Fair Trade Wood Bangle

Fair Trade Wood Bangle

12. Fair Trade Stretch Ball Wood Bracelets $19.99

Fair Trade Stretch Wood Bead Bracelet

Fair Trade Stretch Wood Bead Bracelet

13. Eco Recycled Paper Bead Bracelet $19.99

Eco Recycled Paper Bead Bracelet

Eco Recycled Paper Bead Bracelet

14. Colour Vegetable Dye Fair Trade Wood Bangles $19.99

15. Eco Watermelon Seed Necklace $19.99

Eco Watermelon Seed Necklace

Eco Watermelon Seed Necklace

The Gift That Really Gives – OppStock

December 7, 2008

Those of you who follow this blog will know that one of my favourite organisations is Opportunity International. Opportunity International is one of the world’s largest micro finance organisations. They help give the working poor a working chance by providing small business loans.

If you are looking for a gift idea with a little more meaning than a tie, bottle of perfume etc, why not consider giving your loved one, friend, business associate or colleague an OppStock.

Sample OppStock Certificate

Sample OppStock Certificate

An OppStock which is valued at $100, represents one microloan that helps launch a small business in Africa or Latin America. Purchasing one share, while they are only symbolic stocks, they have real benefits for the poor. An OppStock helps start one new business, which means that a family can begin to leave chronic poverty behind.

To order your OppStock contact Opportunity International at 1-877-867-2448.

New Eco Recycled Handbags From India

November 23, 2008

Pangea Collection has received in a few samples of eco recycled plastic handbags and beach bags made by a fair trade organisation in Chennai India.

Little Star - Fair Trade Eco Recycled Handbag

Little Star - Fair Trade Eco Recycled Handbag

These handbags and beach bags are made by women who live in the slums areas of Chennai India. Many of these women are widows or have been abandoned by their husbands and many have children in their care.

The objective of the fair trade organisation is to support these women economically and socially to ensure that they are self sustainable and self confident. The fair trade organsation also provides vocational training and education facilities for young slum dwellers, in particular young girls and drop out children.

The bags that these women weave are both ethically produced and ecological. They are made with polypropylene strands which are derived from recycled plastic bags. The bags are weaved with brightly coloured recycled plastic bag strands resulting in beautiful bags perfect for everyday or the beach.

Beach Bag - Fair Trade Eco Recycled Bag

Beach Bag - Fair Trade Eco Recycled Bag

The women who weave the bags are paid a fair wage, up to double that of the market price, ensuring that they earn at least $2 a day. Yes, $2 a day, for us in the western world this seems unbelievably low. You may be surprised to learn that in India, 30% of its citizens live on less than $1/day.

The bags will be available for custom order now until February 20th, 2009. Delivery will be in March, in plenty of time for spring/summer fashion.

Big Star - Fair Trade Eco Recycled Bag

Big Star - Fair Trade Eco Recycled Bag

To order, one of these custom made in your colour preference click here:
Fair Trade Eco Recycled Bags

The bags are available in 5 different styles and many bright colour combinations.

Little Bo Peep - Fair Trade Eco Recycled Handbag

Little Bo Peep - Fair Trade Eco Recycled Handbag

Happy BD United Nations

October 27, 2008

Happy Birthday to the UN! The United Nations was formed on October 24th, 1945. It was formed at this time following the end of WWII as a replacement to the League of Nations to prevent and end wards between countries as well as providing a forum for discussion.

The United Nations is an international organisation that aims to facilitate cooperation in international law, security, economic development, social progress, human rights and to ultimately achieve world peace. There are currently 192 member states.

Happy BD UN!

Supporting Entrepreneurs In Developing Markets

October 20, 2008

Hello Everyone,

Today when checking my Facebook page, I noticed a notification from Opportunity International. Opportunity International has just launched a new site called OptINnow.

Opportunity International, as you may know is one of my favourite organisastions. They are a micro finance organisation and help support struggling entrepreneurs in the developing world.

Pangea Collection supports their effort and in particular offers $1 donation for fair trade month with the inclusion of “fair trade” in the shopping cart and items start at just $20.

This new site, OptInNow is similar to that of Kiva’s site. Visitors can select an entrepreneur that they want to support and lend them the money. I think this is such a great way to connect directly with those that you are supporting. Please check out the site and consider supporting one of the entrepreneurs. Keep in mind that the site is new and there are not yet that many entrepreneurs listed.

WNetwork Expert Contest

October 16, 2008

Hello Everyone, I entered the WNetwork Expert contest. Here is the link to my submission. If you think it’s interesting please leave a comment and/or rate it.

One caveat, I did this totally last minute so the execution is not fab but the angle (if I do say so myself) is an interesting one. Hope you will think so too. Let’s move beyond just fab to fab and socially conscious.

WNetwork Expert Link for Patricia Pinkney


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