Peter Schroeder , Steering Committee Chair

Ten Thousand Villages (TTV) in Saskatchewan again enjoyed a good year. Although final numbers are not available, total revenue from the four stores, seasonal and festival sales are expected to reach $1,182,000.00. This is 9% over last year’s revenue. The good news is that these sales provide for the basic needs of approximately 338 Artisan families in developing countries in one year. On average, $805.00 will provide this need, which requires $3,500.00 in retail sales.

There was major flooding in Bangladesh this year. Almost 2/3 of the country was under water and people are suffering endless miseries. At the same time, TTV was placing new orders to Artisans in Bangladesh. The Artisans told our buyer that these new orders gave them hope and reason to continue and this means that life is not hopeless and there is new work to do.

Highlights from 2007

After a 2-year absence, a seasonal store was opened again in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Thanks to many hours of hard work by many volunteers lead by Jake Klippenstein. Over $28,000.00 of merchandise was sold in a short period from November 15 - December 30. Feedback from the community was very positive and plans are underway to open a seasonal store again in 2007.

The increase in sales in the last couple of years has substantially augmented the workload for our store managers. To help them, assistant mangers have been hired for each store. We are pleased to introduce the following staff:

- Lorraine Munro, University Park Drive, Regina Store
- Nettie Friesen, 8 th Street, Saskatoon Store

- Susan Friesen, 45 th Street, Saskatoon Store

Carol Reimer-Wiebe had the opportunity to go on a learning tour. She writes: “Baskets and Books. What do these two things have in common? For some women in Uganda, making and selling baskets to Ten Thousand Villages means that they can buy schoolbooks for their children. I was very fortunate to be able to visit our artisans in Kenya and Uganda earlier this year. I met so many wonderful people who are striving to feed, clothe and educate their families. So, whether we are collecting school kits for children overseas or purchasing a hand crafted item at Ten Thousand Villages, the children will benefit. This Christmas, when you are shopping for gifts, please remember Ten Thousand Villages and how your purchase will make a difference”.

We would like to thank the many volunteers that help throughout the year in the operation of the four stores, the seasonal store and festival sales.

Sonia , Manager of the Regina store writes: “TTV has a troupe of outstanding volunteers who not only believe strongly in the tenets of fair trade but also love to share the Artisans’ stories. Our eight steady volunteers put in an average of over 130 hours each month and are helped throughout the year by over 30 high school students who choose to do their 10 hours of Christian service at TTV.”

Our other store managers echo similar sentiments of the many volunteers in their stores.

Staff

Carol Reimer-Wiebe, Manager
Karen Sorochan, Manager
John Kenyi, Manager
Sonia Buckmaster, Manager
Carmen Epp (Accountant)
Lorraine Munro, Assistant Manager
Nettie Friesen, Assistant Manager
Susan Friesen, Assistant Manager
Nicole Enns, Assistant Manager

Streering Committee

Lucille Wall
Bruno Baerg
Kent Heinrichs
Peter Peters
Irene Janzen
Arnnold Koop
Peter Schroeder (Chair)

Peter Schroeder , Steering Committee Chair

Ten Thousand Villages Web site