Chicago Fair Trade

Educate, Activate, Celebrate

Flash Fundraiser 2022

Fundraise with René Edde

Imagine a future where living wage is guaranteed and all your shopping was ethical

– René Edde

In honor of the memory of Joanne Mundo, my biggest fair trade supporter (and mom), I’ll be matching all donations during this year’s drive (up to $2k). Double your donation today!!

Once you see behind the curtain of supply chains, you can’t unsee it. Spend any amount of time with a coffee farmer on their farm, and you will quickly realize that the work that goes into that bag of beans at the grocery store is way under priced and undervalued.

For me, Fair Trade means supporting small holder farmers that grow the majority of our food that makes its way onto our grocery shelves and our family table. Fair Trade means providing a floor price on agricultural commodities so that the risk and instability of the market doesn’t demolish entire sectors of our food industry and the people that provide us with nourishment. Fair Trade means supporting beyond the farmer and having reach into the community with development projects that a Fair Trade supply chain provides.

Supporting Chicago Fair Trade with me helps to support advocacy in the Chicago area to educate, activate, and celebrate the Fair Trade movement. I hope you’ll join me and donate today! And, if you want to invite me to your next dinner party and educate your guests on where food comes from and how it gets to the table, I’m always happy to talk food, equity, and inclusion. I believe you will find that morning cup of joe just got much more powerful.

What does Fair Trade mean for you?

If you are unable to donate today, please help spread the word about this fundraiser and Chicago Fair Trade’s mission.

Help me raise money!

My personal goal is $1,500.00

Donate to our Flash Fundraiser page and make sure to choose my name for your donation inspiration!

Donate Today!

Thanks to all the donors!

Thank you! I’ve reached my goal, but let’s not stop there! My donors have raised $1,751.71; let’s keep going!

116%
Anonymous Donor

Anonymous

$1,545.11

September 15, 2022

MS

Michelle Schneider

$103.30

Great job sis!

September 13, 2022

LE

Lauren E

$103.30

💕

September 13, 2022

Fundraise with Anjali Raj

Effective Altruism

– Anjali Raj Hansoty

My journey with Chicago Fair Trade started in 2018. I had been a fair trade jewelry designer prior to that, right from the start when Indie-Pendant was born (2008). Being able to translate designs into beautiful, tangible jewelry, at a manufacturing facility where safe working conditions are provided, where workers are paid a fair living wage has been a founding principle for me.

Chicago Fair Trade is a group of individuals, like myself, looking at improving the world around us, one fair trade product at a time! Please help me by joining in this Flash Fundraiser by donating a minimum of $10.

Chicago Fair Trade works towards building a “fair market” economy (vs. “free market” economy), it values and empowers artisans, farmers and other producers (particularly women) for their contributions to production and trade. Support me in making the right choice, the obvious one!

I have committed $150 toward my personal goal

If you are able to support Chicago Fair Trade with a financial gift, please know that no amount is too small!

If you are unable to donate today, please help spread the word about this fundraiser and Chicago Fair Trade’s mission.

Help me raise money!

My personal goal is $1,500.00

Donate to our Flash Fundraiser page and make sure to choose my name for your donation inspiration!

Donate Today!

Thanks to all the donors!

Thank you! I’ve reached my goal, but let’s not stop there! My donors have raised $1,751.71; let’s keep going!

116%
Anonymous Donor

Anonymous

$1,545.11

September 15, 2022

MS

Michelle Schneider

$103.30

Great job sis!

September 13, 2022

LE

Lauren E

$103.30

💕

September 13, 2022

Fundraise with Robbie

“We are the ones we have been waiting for”

– June Jordan

Chicago Fair Trade (CFT) serves as a national leader in the fair trade movement and is the largest fair trade coalition in the country— working collectively since its inception in 2006 to build sustainable economic power for marginalized women, girls, and families here at home in Chicago and within many low-income communities around the world.

I love Chicago Fair Trade 💚 And care deeply about growing our fair trade movement because it encompasses all of my values towards winning a world that cares for all its people and the planet— rooted in women’s rights, racial and gender equity, and essential protections for workers and the environment.

When I joined CFT as a board member in 2020, I was truly amazed to witness all the behind the scenes efforts of what our strong yet nimble coalition is able to accomplish each year— together we are helping to move the dial forward in spreading the message of fair trade, telling the stories of garment workers, holding corporations accountable to the people who make their goods and to adopt fair trade principles— in turn creating a more just experience for all people.

The power of our organizing at CFT is truly grounded in this joyful community of members, allies, and supporters who show up and share our collective vision in the most inspiring and creative ways!

My personal goal this week is to raise $500 towards CFT’s 2022 Flash Fundraiser campaign goal this year— ensuring our educational programming, advocacy campaigns, and beloved fair trade community events will not only remain but be able to grow through what has been some of the most challenging times for working folks in modern history. Will you join me in my mission this week to raise funds to help grow this grassroots movement by taking 5 minutes right now to donate to Chicago Fair Trade?

Since its inception, CFT’s education and advocacy efforts have:

  • Helped create more safe and fair working conditions for garment workers
  • Aided in building infrastructure where it didn’t exist – paving the way for an upswell of fair trade business and women of color-led worker owned co-ops around the world
  • Won policy fights here at home like making Chicago a sweatshop-free city, ending garment worker exploitation
  • Taken on new initiatives through relationships with Chicago-area universities and public schools who are engaging young people in building the future of fair trade

I’ll be sharing more about CFT’s impact and current initiatives online all this week so you can see just what I mean!

As some of my closest friends, family, and allies, you already know the impact donating has on advancing movements for racial and economic justice! I invite you to make a one-time or monthly gift to Chicago Fair Trade and give whatever amount feels meaningful and accessible to you- whether that’s $100, $50, $25 or $10.

Grateful to be in community with so many of you who also believe in June’s message — that we are the ones we have been waiting for — and that together we can and will win a more fair and just world for all its people and the planet, but only if we organize!

In love and solidarity,

Robbie

Help me raise money!

My personal goal is $900.00

Donate to our Flash Fundraiser page and make sure to choose my name for your donation inspiration!

Donate Today!

Thanks to all the donors!

Thank you! I’ve reached my goal, but let’s not stop there! My donors have raised $966.30; let’s keep going!

107%
AE

Ashley Edge

$51.80

September 16, 2022

MM

Maria Miranda

$51.80

Go Robbie!

September 16, 2022

LH

Laura Hebert

$26.06

September 16, 2022

SR

Shelly Ruzicka

$51.80

Always happy to support my sisters in the movement! ❤️And the movement work!

September 16, 2022

MY

Marlys Yohn

$51.80

For my dear niece Robbie

September 16, 2022

gm

gordon mayer

$26.06

September 16, 2022

RK

Ryan Kelleher

$50.00

September 16, 2022

KL

Katie Leisner

$51.80

September 16, 2022

Anonymous Donor

Anonymous

$26.06

September 15, 2022

CL

Carla Land

$51.80

September 15, 2022

DC

Donia Clark

$150.00

From Robbie: Donation on behalf of Donia Clark- rabble rauser, cat whisperer and someone I'm always glad to have in my corner- thanks Donia!

September 15, 2022

AP

Alison Porter

$51.80

September 15, 2022

RG

Raymond Gonzalez

$25.00

September 15, 2022

AO

Adrienne Ott

$103.30

September 15, 2022

MW

Maria Wagner

$51.80

September 15, 2022

JP

Jeffrey Pinzino

$41.50

So glad to be helping the fair trade mission!

September 15, 2022

FK

Faith Klinger

$51.80

Love you sister! Love Chicago Fair Trade

September 15, 2022

MK

Marilyn Klinger

$25.00

Happy to donate. I have received various products as gifts through Chicago Fair Trade and each has been unique and beautifully crafted.

September 14, 2022

K

Kendra Kennedy

$26.06

September 14, 2022

Fundraise with Jerome

Fair Trade is a driving force in sustainability and equity. It points the way to a responsible economic model

– Jerome McDonnell

I strongly admire the people in the fair trade community who work to make our economic system more just and so I joined the Chicago Fair Trade board to lend them a hand.

Chicago Fair Trade is an organization that joyfully dedicates itself to making a difference here and around the globe. We need your donation to help build the beloved community we all know is possible.

Help me raise money!

My personal goal is $2,000.00

Donate to our Flash Fundraiser page and make sure to choose my name for your donation inspiration!

Donate Today!

Thanks to all the donors!

Thank you! I’ve reached my goal, but let’s not stop there! My donors have raised $2,278.75; let’s keep going!

113%
AO

Adam Olson

$206.28

Thank you CFT!

September 15, 2022

SW

Steve & Amy Waranauskas

$154.79

Keep up the good work my friend.

September 15, 2022

SW

Steve Waranauskas

$150.00

September 15, 2022

AG

Alan Greenland

$103.30

Thanks, Jerome!!

September 15, 2022

JL

John Awlor

$50.00

September 15, 2022

SK

Steve Kopp

$103.30

September 15, 2022

PS

Peggy Simonsen

$100.00

September 15, 2022

AW

Andrea Wenzel

$26.06

September 15, 2022

Anonymous Donor

Anonymous

$250.00

September 15, 2022

LS

Laura Singer

$51.80

September 15, 2022

YJ

Yvette Johnson

$154.79

Jerome, thanks for your involvement in this great cause.

September 14, 2022

S

Seth & Renée

$257.78

September 14, 2022

Suzanne Akhras

$154.79

Best of luck Jerome!

September 14, 2022

SD

Susanne Donoghue

$50.00

September 14, 2022

KW

Kelly Weinberger

$206.28

September 14, 2022

JM

Jerome McDonnell

$257.78

September 13, 2022

Fundraise with Abby

CFT is all about cultivating a community that is dedicated to an economy that values the labor and dignity of all people

– Abby Alley

One of the things in life that gives me immense joy and at the same time a deep burden is humanity’s interconnectedness. I am so grateful that God created us to live in community – that we get the benefit of each other’s strengths, perspectives, creativity, and joy. That is one of the reasons I was so drawn to starting my business. It is collaborative by nature and celebrates people, communities, and cultures across two continents, and it’s also why, in 2021, I decided to join the board of Chicago Fair Trade.

CFT is all about cultivating a community that is dedicated to an economy that values the labor and dignity of all people. Fair trade businesses like my own believe success doesn’t have to come at the cost of people or our planet. In order to continue doing the work of advocating for fair trade and growing the fair trade movement in Chicago and surrounding areas, we need your support. I’d love to invite you to donate to our annual fundraiser. Every little bit helps make a big difference. It has been exciting being a part of my first couple board meetings – there are some really great plans in the works and I’m excited to see how CFT will grow and impact the world in the months and years to come. Every $5, $10, $25 adds up to a big impact!

I will be donating 10% of sales on my shop’s website during the flash fundraiser – so that’s a great way to kill two birds with one stone! Pick up a gift for someone or treat yourself and know that you’ll be making a donation to a great cause.

Thank you so much in advance for your support.

xo, Abby

P.S. The photos are from my trip to Nairobi this summer, where I was able to visit my partners for the first time since before Covid.

Help me raise money!

My personal goal is $1,000.00

Donate to our Flash Fundraiser page and make sure to choose my name for your donation inspiration!

Donate Today!

Thanks to all the donors!

So far, my donors have raised $897.73 out of my goal of $1,000.00.

89%
AA

Abby Alley

$273.22

September 15, 2022

M

Joanie Alley

$500.00

You are making such a difference, Abby! God bless you!

September 15, 2022

BR

Britt Ryswyk

$20.91

September 14, 2022

carrie bowers

$51.80

You're doing great work Abby and CFT!

September 14, 2022

JK

Jen Kripas

$51.80

My favorite! I love that this organization is so close to your heart💗

September 14, 2022

Fundraise with Nancy

We are all related

– Nancy Jones

With September comes the final days of harvesting tomatoes in my garden. It’s a joy to see and taste the fruits of my labor. It also brings me satisfaction that these tomatoes and other vegetables have been grown using methods that enrich the soil. It is a way to contribute in my small way to a healthy environment.

Wilfredo and one of his trees

I remember the sense of pride in the voice Wilfredo, the first coffee producer I met on a trip to Nicaragua, as he talked about his coffee and the sustainable methods he used. Now, as we confront news of the climate crisis at every turn, I wonder how his production has been impacted.

I am grateful for fair trade farmers as they led the way in promoting sustainable farming practices. Our support for them continues to be important. As we’ve learned, we can’t just work for our small corner of the world. We are all related, and our actions contribute to either the health or destruction of the planet.

Join me in supporting Chicago Fair Trade as it continues the work of educating our city about the importance of fair trade for sustaining communities around the world.

Help me raise money!

My personal goal is $1,000.00

Donate to our Flash Fundraiser page and make sure to choose my name for your donation inspiration!

Donate Today!

Thanks to all the donors!

Thank you! I’ve reached my goal, but let’s not stop there! My donors have raised $1,277.98; let’s keep going!

127%
KO

Kathy Osberger

$5.00

September 29, 2022

Monica Drane

$103.30

September 18, 2022

Tom Fate

$50.00

September 16, 2022

NJ

Nancy Jones

$50.00

Renny Golden

September 16, 2022

Elise Hawley

$51.80

September 15, 2022

PN

Phyllis Nickel

$51.80

September 15, 2022

BG

Bridget Green

$41.50

September 14, 2022

Anonymous Donor

Anonymous

$103.30

September 14, 2022

Anonymous Donor

Anonymous

$103.30

September 14, 2022

GC

Gary Cozette

$50.00

Great work, everyone at Chicago Fair Trade!

September 14, 2022

KM

Kathleen Morkert

$50.00

September 14, 2022

DG

Darlene Gramigna

$51.80

September 14, 2022

NJ

Nancy Jones

$50.00

Sara Pitcher

September 13, 2022

EP

Elizabeth Pernotto

$103.30

September 13, 2022

BL

William Lamme

$154.79

The work with youth is important and should not just be at the middle class schools. This is not a criticism of current practices but rather a heartfelt statement that this issue resonates and is politically significant with students from lower income families. Among other things, it is helpful in engendering an internationalist perspective.

September 13, 2022

JR

Jan Rodriguez

$103.30

September 13, 2022

NJ

Nancy Jones

$154.79

September 11, 2022