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Staff photo by Fritz Busch
New Ulm’s Own volunteer Barbara Olson of New Ulm kneels near craft items in the non-profit fair trade store, 212 N. Minnesota St.
NEW ULM — Celebrating its eighth anniversary on World Fair Trade Day Saturday, New Ulm’s Own non-profit fair trade store offered a free cup of Ethiopian coffee Saturday.
“Ethiopia is where coffee originated from in the world. I researched it and learned that coffee started when a shepherd noticed one of his goats was eating red berries and got really frisky,” said store operator Jeanine Hinsman.
Store sales have helped improve the quality of life for crafters in Bangladesh, Vietnam, Ecuador, the Philippines, the West Bank, South Africa, Eswatini, Africa; Indonesia, Peru, Mexico, Vietnam, Indian, and Nepal.
Since the store began eight years ago, it has contributed $15,546 to charities that support women and children in developing countries.
Store profits also support local charities such as NUMAS Haus in New Ulm, which provides emergency shelter and support services to homeless, single mother families with school age children in the New Ulm area.
New Ulm’s Own also supports the Brown County Human Services Foster Care program, IVY House (crisis nursery), Westridge Place, ProKinship, and others.
“We’ve done this with 31 volunteers working at the sales counter and behind the scenes since 2017. Thanks to all our customers and supporters for making these accomplishments possible. We couldn’t do it without them. We can always use more volunteers. Anyone wishing to join us is welcome,” Hinsman said.
Fair trade crafters said because of fair trade sales, their families eat better, have improved healthcare access, their children’s education is improved and they have more hope for the future.
Certified fair trade means no child labor, non-discriminatory hiring practices, and good working conditions.
Featured handcrafted items by artisans in developing countries include chocolate, tea, spices, baskets, coffee, jewelry, purses, place mats, cards, towels, books by local authors, and local art.
Colorful, durable felt birdhouses are made of natural, sustainable material.
Fair trade traces its roots to 1946 when Edna Ruth Byler, a volunteer for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), visited an MCC sewing class in Puerto Rico and found women creating beautiful lace despite extraordinary poverty.
Since 2000, fair trade sales and consumer awareness have increased tremendously.
New Ulm’s own store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
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