I often grapple with American affluence and the suffering abroad in third-world and poverty-stricken countries. Too many times I live my comfortable life without thought about the consequences of even my smallest decisions. That’s why, while surfing blog giveaways, when I came across The Emancipation Network’s MadeBy Survivors.com I was so excited! After my order, I emailed them immediately about hosting a giveaway so that I could promote their worthy work.
I’m excited to present my first ever giveaway and to introduce you to a great company with a caring mission.
MadeBySurvivors is an web store from which the profits help real people saved from slavery and human trafficking around the world. They promise: 100% of after-tax profits are donated to charities that fight slavery! They explain,
The Emancipation Network [TEN] fights slavery by empowering survivors and people at high risk to rebuild their lives. We help individuals and communities become slavery-proof with jobs, job training, education, aftercare and reintegration. We sell beautiful products Made By Survivors at our web store, and use the profits to provide help, home and hope to others rescued from slavery.
The scary truth:
27 million people around the world are estimated to be victims of slavery, for forced prostitution, labor, domestic work, and other forms of exploitation, with approximately 50% of victims being under the age of 18. UNICEF estimates that one million children will be forced into prostitution this year.
The Emancipation Network saves vulnerable women and children from slavery and teaches them artisan skills to survive. The items are made by brave women and children– not mass produced in a factory. The materials and products are fair-trade, and the labor is not performed in a dangerous sweatshop. Survivors are given health care, a safe home, education, and emotional support. This is cause I can stand behind.
Even purchasing small gifts, I can know that I’m being careful with my consuming. I bought gifts for my mom for Mother’s Day (which is coming up on May 10, 2009!). It was already something I was going to do, and now I know I did it with integrity.
I found these glass bead earrings with a charming bright pink for only $12!
The items are beautiful, personal, and unique. You can find something meaningful for any woman you want to honor this Mother’s Day. Check out these other great finds:
Pearl Drop Earrings - $20
Embroidered Om Shirt - $15
Blockprinted Duvet Set - $125
(love this blue duvet cover!)
Blockprinted Napkins (4) - $20
(many bright colors)
Magazine Bead Bracelet - $10
Now… for our giveaway!! The Emancipation Network has given me two bags from their spring line to review and giveaway! Two of my lucky readers will WIN a fashionable and socially responsible totebag or handbag from MadeBySurvivors!
Our first lovely bag is the Parisian , a handbag which is 9″ x 11″ x 5″ with 20″ handles and lined in white. It comes in Brown floral (shown) or Black fish. What this picture doesn’t show is that this handbag actually packs a lot of color– there is teal stitching running down at each inch for a lovely contract with the floral print. The stitching on the bag is impressively hand stitched. The bag bottom is a sturdy standing bottom– you could pack you lunch in it, your beauty products, whatever you need!
Our second bag up for grabs in this giveaway is the French Market Bag! This tote is 12″ x 13″ x 5″ with 20″ handles and lined in black cotton. The same teal thread is embroidered on this bag as the Parisian, but this bag is mini-tote bag sized. It is made in Shelano, India by the survivors which TEN saves.This tote bag can also stand when full and has the same blue stitching at each inch. It can carry books, notes, lunch, or anything– and the French Market Bag looks very chic with the contrasting colors and hand stitches.
To enter please visit the Made By Survivors web store, look around then come back here and comment telling me what gift from the store you would like to give to honor someone on Mother’s Day. This first step must be done before extra entries can be submitted!
For extra entries you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.
- Tell me about a human rights issue you care about. Where is it happening and what can be done?
- Blog about this giveaway and the The Emancipation Network’s Made By Survivors web store. Leave the link to the post.
- Follow me on Twitter! I’m @sweepstakesgirl. Leave your twitter name.
- Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter with a link. Please leave your tweet URL. (Can be done a maximum of 4 times at least 24 hours apart during the giveaway.)
- Put a link to my blog on your blogroll or website. Leave me the link where I can see it.
-Email 4 friends about this giveaway and include the link so they can enter. (You must CC me: blogattoday ({at`}] gmaildotcom )
- Buy something from the Made By Survivors web store and forward me your order confirmation. Please remove personal information, such as address and payment details.
*= these comments will remain pending in moderation until completion is checked.
Giveaway begins today, April 23, 2009, and runs through 11:59pm Pacific time on May 3. I am excited and honored to bring you this giveaway and promote a worthy cause! Two winners will be drawn randomly with the help of Random.org. I will email the two winners and they will have 72 hours to confirm or a replacement winner(s) will be drawn.
Good luck!
Bye bye!!
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