Chicago Fair Trade

Educate, Activate, Celebrate

Flash Fundraiser 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

I’m proud of Chicago Fair Trade because it represents a beacon of ethical and sustainable business practices in the heart of a Chicago. As you may know, Chicago is the birthplace of the labor rights movement so it’s no surprise that part of that legacy is now being the home of the largest fair trade organization in the US.

This year CFT opened the world’s first Fair Trade museum with over 2000 people coming through its doors in the first 6 months of operation including a few school field trips. Through your donations, it’s our hope this museum will be permanent.

On a personal note, I am so grateful for the community of small business owner members of Chicago Fair Trade. Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely venture, but with dozens of likeminded women just a phone call away, it’s been an incredible resource and one of the kindest communities I’ve been part of.

My personal fundraising goal this year is $1000. Whether we get there with a five donations of $200 or 200 donations of $5, either way we’ll be coming together to build a more fair economy!

Thank you so much in advance for your support.

xo, Abby

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 $980.12 out of my goal of $1,000.00.

98%
Anonymous Donor

Anonymous

$500.00

September 20, 2023

BR

Brittany Ryswyk

$51.80

Such important work! Way to go!

September 19, 2023

AD

Andrea Dennis

$15.76

September 19, 2023

HJ

Holly Jensen

$206.28

Proud of you Abby

September 19, 2023

AA

Abby Alley

$206.28

September 19, 2023

Fundraise with Nancy

Together we can bring about lifestyle changes that can save our planet.

– Nancy Jones

More than 75,000 people marched in New York City last weekend with dozens of actions in countries around the world demanding an end to burning fossil fuels. It is exciting to see the youth leadership taking charge and demanding action now. This is also a time to remind people of how fast fashion contributes to the climate crisis. We have Chicago Fair Trade to thank for the continuing opportunities to hear from those working in the apparel industry who highlight the harm to both workers and the environment. Personal stories are what motivate and inspire others to change from fast fashion to fair trade fashion.

Join me in making a donation to the ongoing work of Chicago Fair Trade, offering resources to those in Chicago as well as a model for other cities. Together we can bring about lifestyle changes that can save our planet.

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 $1,178.23; let’s keep going!

117%
PD

Patricia DeJean

$103.30

September 21, 2023

KM

Kathleen Morkert

$26.06

Celebrating the work of Nancy Jones and Katherine Bissell-Cordova!

September 21, 2023

EP

Elizabeth Pernotto

$100.00

Thank you for your great work

September 20, 2023

KB

Kay Berkson

$250.00

September 20, 2023

BH

Barbara Havens

$134.19

Thanks for all the good work you are doing.

September 20, 2023

Anonymous Donor

Anonymous

$51.80

September 20, 2023

JR

Jan Rodriguez

$103.30

Keep up the good work, CFT!

September 19, 2023

MN

Mary Naftzger

$154.79

September 19, 2023

GC

Gary Cozette

$100.00

Thank you Katherine Bissell and Nancy Jones for your leadership in growing Fair Trade in Chicago.

September 19, 2023

NJ

Nancy Jones

$154.79

September 18, 2023

Fundraise with Katherine

Fair trade has the power to connect us all.

I am raising money for Chicago Fair Trade because I believe in the transformative power of fair trade and want to continue to grow this movement. This past fall, I visited a fair trade farm for the first time. At Florecal, a fair trade flower farm in Ecuador, I saw firsthand how much better people’s lives are because of fair trade.

Over the past six months, I have seen over 2,000 people come through the Chicago Fair Trade Museum (the world’s first!). People here so eager to learn more and be involved in this movement for justice.

Your support helps Chicago Fair Trade spread the message of fair trade further and wider and grow this lovely movement. I am more committed than ever to the transformative power of fair trade. I am kicking this drive off with a $500 donation. Please help me reach my goal!

–Kathy/Katherine

Help me raise money!

My personal goal is $8,000.00

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 $12,012.32; let’s keep going!

150%
TH

Tracy Hart

$250.00

October 8, 2023

JA

Jill Antonides

$257.78

Your passion for this important work is inspiring. Thanks for what you do!

September 23, 2023

UF

Ulla Frederiksen

$51.80

🩵

September 22, 2023

MM

Marci Merola

$51.80

September 22, 2023

DW

DON WILLIAMSON

$3,000.00

September 22, 2023

AM

ANA MARIA MARQUEZ

$50.00

Kath! You’re so inspiring 🤍 thanks for building community for a better world!

September 21, 2023

RA

Bernadette Aguilar

$15.76

You are an inspiration to me. Thank you for all that you do for others.

September 21, 2023

PG

Peter Glassman

$51.80

September 21, 2023

Anonymous Donor

Anonymous

$51.80

September 21, 2023

ER

Emily Rosenberg

$309.27

Wonderful organization!

September 21, 2023

CM

Cathy Mazur

$100.00

September 21, 2023

TH

Tamiz Haiderali

$51.80

September 21, 2023

MT

Mary Beth Tegan

$51.80

September 21, 2023

SD

Sarah Doherty

$103.30

September 21, 2023

RE

Ruth Edwards

$51.80

September 21, 2023

CN

Conrad Nowak

$51.80

September 21, 2023

MM

Marla Messing

$257.78

September 21, 2023

JJ

Jane Johnson

$50.00

September 21, 2023

MA

MARILYN ANTONIK

$2,060.04

Thank you, Katherine, Nancy, Beth, Jerome, and all who are doing such important work through Chicago Fair Trade. You are amazing! Gratefully, Marilyn

September 21, 2023

SN

Stacy Beran

$26.06

September 21, 2023

MD

Margo and Steve Druschel

$51.80

Proud to call you my friend! Your leadership, creativity and willingness to take risks for what is right is an inspiration!

September 20, 2023

ES

Elvira (Svet) Surkevicius

$51.80

You’re a good egg.

September 20, 2023

AB

Andrea Bergstrom

$51.80

You do good work for the world.

September 20, 2023

MW

Mara Wallace

$515.24

Go, Bissell

September 20, 2023

DB

Doug Bond

$51.80

September 20, 2023

Anonymous Donor

Anonymous

$41.50

September 20, 2023

AG

Adrian Gershom

$26.06

September 20, 2023

ND

Nancy Davis

$103.30

September 20, 2023

JM

Jane McCarthy

$100.00

September 20, 2023

ND

Nancy Demuth

$31.20

Thank you Katherine for being a wonderful colleague and friend, and a one-woman fair trade phenomenon! #sheropreneur

September 20, 2023

JR

JENIFER A RATCLIFFE

$257.78

September 20, 2023

ER

Elisabeth Reed

$51.80

The future is Fair Trade!

September 20, 2023

JR

Jennifer Richards

$51.80

September 20, 2023

RH

Robert Hainer

$100.00

September 20, 2023

JR

Jude Rodriguez

$103.30

My good friend, Katherine Bissell Cordova has a way of making important things happen. Chicago Fair Trade is just one example. When I grow up, I want to be just like my dear Kata!!

September 20, 2023

MS

Michelle Saro

$103.30

Good luck making your fundraising goal! You are making the world a better place. Thank you!

September 20, 2023

JH

Joan Harper

$103.30

September 20, 2023

P

Paul Doherty

$515.24

September 20, 2023

MA

Matthew Asciutto

$250.00

September 20, 2023

BP

Benjamin Pueschner

$103.30

KBC rocks!

September 19, 2023

TV

Toni Vigil-McKim

$206.28

September 19, 2023

AD

Andrea Dennis

$15.76

September 19, 2023

CW

Christine Whipple

$51.80

September 19, 2023

EO

Eric Odeen

$51.80

September 19, 2023

AR

Anjali Raj Hansoty

$50.00

September 19, 2023

KO

Kathleen M OConnor

$257.78

September 19, 2023

MF

Mary Fabri

$257.78

September 19, 2023

BL

Billy Linstead Goldsmith

$51.80

Thank you for the amazing work you all do for our movement. Chicago Fair Trade is an ongoing source of inspiration to me and everyone in the fair trade community.

September 19, 2023

GV

Katherine Bissell Cordova

$500.00

September 18, 2023

RM

Rob McFadzean

$10.61

September 18, 2023

SV

Sally Volkert-Bissell

$1,000.00

In memory of Walter Bissell

September 18, 2023

Fundraise with Maranda

The sky is the limit for what Chicago Fair Trade can achieve with your support!

– Maranda Leigh

Fair Trade practices encompass what all businesses should aspire to: dignity & safety for all workers, wages that support a full & healthy life for employees & their families, respect & care for the natural environment, and just overall consciousness about the impact business operations have on a community. If you, like me, believe in a future where all businesses are expected to (at minimum) support and respect their employees, their communities, and their planet; then I hope you will join me in supporting Chicago Fair Trade today. Chicago Fair Trade is working to make this future a reality, focusing on local Chicago businesses, organizations, and communities that share this same vision.

As chair of the board and co-chair of CFT’s ethical fashion community, the Conscious Closet Club, I have had a front row seat to the impact this organization has on our local and global communities. In just this past year, we were able to hire a second full-time employee; we hosted a clothing swap that drew over 500 attendees and kept hundreds of pounds of clothing out of landfills; and we opened the world’s first Fair Trade Museum! With the support of our generous donors, we will be dreaming even bigger in the coming year.

I am kicking off my fundraiser by making a personal contribution of $200.

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 $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 $2,329.16; let’s keep going!

116%
MM

Molly Mason

$26.06

September 21, 2023

AV

Alyssa Vejendla

$51.80

September 21, 2023

CL

Connor Leigh

$103.30

Proud of everything you've done for Chicago Fair Trade and the people you've impacted. Keep up the good work!

September 21, 2023

RA

Bernadette Aguilar

$15.76

Thank you for all that you do Maranda. I am so lucky to know you. Now you won’t be able to get rid of me.

September 21, 2023

ML

Michael Leigh

$257.78

September 21, 2023

ME

Mary Embry

$51.80

September 21, 2023

MF

Mia Furlong

$51.80

September 21, 2023

AS

Alexander Schommer

$10.61

September 21, 2023

CW

Christine Wokas

$103.30

September 21, 2023

NC

Nicholas Clifford

$51.80

September 21, 2023

MW

Matt Walthius

$51.80

September 21, 2023

LH

Lynn Honeck

$103.30

September 21, 2023

A

Annie and Brandon

$51.80

September 20, 2023

EW

Emily Watts

$15.76

🫶

September 20, 2023

MT

Matt Tannenbaum

$26.06

September 20, 2023

JS

Jen Small

$51.80

September 20, 2023

JG

Jacob Gunden

$26.06

September 20, 2023

JL

Jenny Leigh

$50.00

Loving Maranda and her passion 🥰

September 20, 2023

MS

Matt Stapleton

$25.00

September 20, 2023

CW

Catherine Wokas

$26.06

September 19, 2023

Anonymous Donor

Anonymous

$206.28

September 19, 2023

LS

Laura Carney

$51.80

September 19, 2023

Pa

Paige and Andrew

$51.80

September 19, 2023

JP

Julia Sherry

$26.06

September 19, 2023

CB

Carla Bregitzer

$20.91

September 19, 2023

CD

Caleb Delbrugge

$51.80

September 19, 2023

ES

Emma Sassano

$26.06

September 19, 2023

TH

Tyler Honsingwr

$103.30

September 19, 2023

AS

Ann & Paul Sassano

$51.80

September 19, 2023

HG

Holly G.

$25.00

September 19, 2023

MF

Michael France

$103.30

Match for Kaitlyn & Tom

September 19, 2023

KH

Kaitlyn Hornik

$103.30

Kaitlyn & Tom!

September 19, 2023

AR

Anjali Raj Hansoty

$25.00

September 19, 2023

JM

Jessica Martin

$26.06

September 19, 2023

CW

Caprice Wokas-Schaper

$15.76

CONGRATS! Make it to the top!

September 19, 2023

KB

Kaylee Trautmann

$51.80

September 19, 2023

ED

Emily Dylla

$31.20

❤️🌎

September 19, 2023

ML

Maranda Leigh

$206.28

September 18, 2023

Fundraise with Bethany

“Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for what we will.”

Slogan of the Eight Hour Movement

This week is a special time for me to be raising money for Chicago Fair Trade, given that I recently lost my job. I’ve spent even more time than usual (maybe I’m weird, I think about it a lot!) thinking about the role and value of work in my life. This year, I happen to be not just a Board member, but also a part-time employee of Chicago Fair Trade, because they’ve generously taken me on to staff the Holiday Popup Shop!

So of course, as I assess how I want to work in the future, I’m also thinking about what work looks like for the people around me. I’m thinking about the services I want to provide to the world, and recognizing how essential so many people’s work is to my daily survival, comfort, and happiness.

Fair trade brings that to light. It lets us actually know what work goes into that cup of coffee, the cute pair of shoes, the new mattress (yes, you can get all these things fair trade!). It lets us know that these people around the world also get to think about how they can apply their skills to serve the world. They don’t have to just take whatever job is available. They get a say in what they do to earn a living—just like I am so acutely aware I want to. They also get time and freedom outside of work for rest and “what they will.” Time to be who they want to be and enjoy what they love.

This year, even while living on a shoestring budget, I’ve donated $100 to Chicago Fair Trade, because I want this movement, this reality of meaningful, life-giving work, to keep growing worldwide.

Please join me today with the most generous gift you can make.
Thank you so much.

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!

So far, my donors have raised $1,403.59 out of my goal of $1,500.00.

93%
BN

Brian Nickerson

$26.06

September 21, 2023

RA

Rachelle Ankney

$515.24

September 21, 2023

JH

James Heid

$26.06

September 21, 2023

DC

David Kris Collins

$206.28

September 21, 2023

HM

Haleigh Martin

$26.06

love this work!

September 20, 2023

MC

Michael Collins

$103.30

September 20, 2023

JO

Jolene O'Tool

$154.79

September 20, 2023

JZ

Jori Zepeda

$20.91

September 19, 2023

DM

Dia Morgan

$51.80

September 19, 2023

AD

Andrea Dennis

$15.00

September 19, 2023

NW

Nancy Weber

$154.79

September 19, 2023

BC

Bethany Collins

$103.30

September 18, 2023

FLASH FUNDRAISER

BEST FLASH FUNDRAISER EVER!

Thanks to you, our Flash Fundraising drive this year has raised an amazing  $29,525 from 267 donors!

As a small non-profit, this is huge for us. Chicago Fair Trade relies on your generosity to keep doing what we’re doing – and in just three days, your efforts have given us the security we need to plan ahead for the next year.  Plans include expanding our work educating youth,  advocating for garment workers, mentoring other fair trade grassroots organizations, and f course we’ll continue to host creative events throughout the year. 

A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated, and a special shout-out to our core team of fundraisers who worked so hard to make this happen! 

YAY! Thanks to you, we are on a roll!

Did you miss the deadline? Fear not! You can still donate!

Donate here!

How your donation helps

Funding from this year’s Flash Fundraiser will help us carry out our mission of Cultivating a community dedicated to an economy that values the labor & dignity of all people. Here are just some of the things your donation has made possible.

Educate

Your support allows us to bring Fair Trade champions like Nasreen Sheikh to Chicago to meet with and inspire students – the future leaders of the fair trade movement.

It also allows us to provide students with internships, mentor Fair Trade Clubs (including the newest one at St. Ignatius High School!), and engage students from every corner of Chicago in our After School Matters program, “Build Your Brand: Ethical Entrepreneurship.”

Activate

Right now, Chicago Fair Trade has a historic opportunity. CFT is the Illinois Coordinator for the FABRIC Act, strong legislation that will mean concrete improvements for nearly 100,000 garment workers in the US. Chicago Fair Trade’s organizing efforts are paying off.

Just this week, Senator Tammy Duckworth became a Co-Sponsor of this groundbreaking legislation! These campaigns take staff time and that takes dollars, but the time and effort generate meaningful systemic change!

Celebrate!

Your donations support our annual World Fair Trade Day celebration, the largest of its kind in the US!

This past year, we hosted Open House Chicago Fair Trade. Each year, this event brings the message of fair trade to thousands of new people, and helps grow our movement.

We know there are many good causes out there, and we thank you for considering donating to Chicago Fair Trade. As a small but effective non-profit organization, every donation truly makes a difference.

Thanks to all the donors!

Thank you! Together we’ve reached our goal, but let’s not stop there! All 272 of us have raised $30,075; let’s keep going!

120.3%

Prefer to send a check? Please let us know so we can add the amount to our running total. Make your check out to “Chicago Fair Trade” and mail to “3319 N Cicero Avenue #410386 Chicago, IL 60641”.

Meet our fundraisers

Special thanks to our donors!

CM

Carole Murphy

December 13, 2023

Flash Fundraiser – 2023
Donated $200.00
CN

Chipo Nyambuya

October 30, 2023

Flash Fundraiser – 2023
Donated $250.00
NV

Nila Vora

October 26, 2023

Flash Fundraiser – 2023
Donated $100.00
TH

Tracy Hart

October 8, 2023

Flash Fundraiser – 2023
Donated $250.00
JH

Jose Hernandez

October 1, 2023

Flash Fundraiser – 2023
Donated $25.00
AM

Anna Malles

September 29, 2023

Good job!

Flash Fundraiser – 2023
Donated $30.00
NC

Nick Clemente

September 28, 2023

Flash Fundraiser – 2023
Donated $15.00
SM

Scale Marketing

September 27, 2023

Flash Fundraiser – 2023
Donated $100.00
SG

Stacy Gregory

September 27, 2023

This is an awesome organization! Thank you for the work that you do! 🙂

Flash Fundraiser – 2023
Donated $25.00
CK

Christie Klimas

September 26, 2023

Flash Fundraiser – 2023
Donated $300.00
Anonymous User

Anonymous

September 26, 2023

Thank you Sarah for all that you are doing.

Flash Fundraiser – 2023
Donated $25.00
KK

Katie Kirkpatrick

September 25, 2023

Flash Fundraiser – 2023
Donated $20.00
Donate

DAY THREE: UPDATE AND NOTE FROM CHIPO NYAMBUYA

I am so committed to Chicago Fair Trade’s work that I am participating in this fundraising drive from Liberia, where I relocated earlier this year.  I am also extending the Fair Trade mission and message to Liberia.   

While Chicago Fair Trade’s work focuses on serious topics like labor rights and combating climate change, I love that Chicago Fair Trade always makes time to celebrate the good. Chicago Fair Trade is a joyous community. We embody the philosophy: if I can’t dance, I can’t fully be part of the revolution.

Since February, we have hosted a variety of creative and joyful events including: 

  • *A Fair Trade Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebration
  • *A World Refugee Day celebration and donation drive
  • *A One-Stop Plant Swap 
  • *Chocolate making workshop

We love hosting a wide variety of events every year to help build connections in our community, introduce our members to new organizations and ideas, and grow our collective movement.

We would really appreciate your support to continue building community connections. Click HERE to make a donation today, so we can celebrate reaching our goal!

Many thanks,

Chipo Nyambuya

Chicago Fair Trade Board Member