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May 2021 We've all seen the terrible happenings right now in India. Kerala Crafts has been thinking about how we can best help to support the vulnerable folk through this vicious pandemic. A contact of ours, Guisy, has just sent a link to me, so I am sharing this with you all, and you can give with confidence, being assured that it will go where it is supposed to go, and we will probably know some of those folk too. Thank you so much. We are fortunate here in the UK. that things are improving, whereas in India, things are at their peak. |
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March 2021 This month Kerala Crafts is 20 years old. Where did that time go? Over the years of visiting Kerala, I have made many friends, and have watched many girls at the orphanage grow from young girls to womanhood. It has been a privilege to be part of their lives, follow their journeys and witness the amazing changes in their lives and future. One such girl, Jane, I met on my first trip to Cochin, who is now a young mum. Jane was rescued by police from the streets of Cochin and given shelter and protection at Valsalya Bhavan. The staff at the orphanage soon identified her natural dance talents and enrolled her in a local dance learning centre 'Cochin Arts & Communication'. The cost for the dance sessions were met, in part, by her UK sponsorship. Later on, she joined Dharani Dance School, a leading dance school in Cochin. After completion of Plus Two, she joined Chennai Dance School for a 4 year diploma course in Bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance). She also pursued a distant Degree in Bachelor of Commerce. After her marriage and before having her daughter, Jane worked as a Bharatanatyam Instructor at Dharani Dance School in Cochin, and she is planning to start her own dance school in the future. What a success! 
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Happily married, settled and with a daughter
February 2021
Next month Kerala Crafts celebrates its 20th birthday. I can't believe it's that long since my very first trip to Kerala for a holiday, which ended up in creating 'Kerala Crafts' . I've made so many friends in Kerala over the years and it has been such a privilege to be part of their lives. Still trying to learn Malayalam though!
Next month Kerala Crafts celebrates its 20th birthday. I can't believe it's that long since my very first trip to Kerala for a holiday, which ended up in creating 'Kerala Crafts' . I've made so many friends in Kerala over the years and it has been such a privilege to be part of their lives. Still trying to learn Malayalam though!
December 2020
Our 'Meaningful Gifts' are selling well. The mobile phones and laptops are important, though it might seem extravagant, schools are not due to re-open until June 2021 at the earliest, which will mean there has been no school open for at least 15 months.
Our 'Meaningful Gifts' are selling well. The mobile phones and laptops are important, though it might seem extravagant, schools are not due to re-open until June 2021 at the earliest, which will mean there has been no school open for at least 15 months.
November 2020 - Caroline Quentin had support from the girls she sponsors in Kerala,
wishing her 'good luck' in Strictly Come Dancing on Saturdays.
October 2020 - Please take a look at our new Meaningful Gifts page (under heading More ....) for gifts that will make a big difference, from only £5. http://www.keralacrafts.co.uk/meaningful-gifts.html
September 2020 - We are deeply sorry to hear that our Patron Dame Diana Rigg has passed away. She will be sadly missed, as she was such a great strength as a valued patron. Her generosity and loyal support of the orphaned girls and marginalised women over many years meant a great deal to us. We will never forget her kindness and support, so humbly done, and the girls in Kerala will be upset to hear the news. R.I.P. 10.09.20
June 2020 - Our latest newsletter is available now to read. Please click below. Grateful thanks to the generosity of Computer Network Defence Ltd, Bath for producing it.
| Newsletter June 2020 |
June 2020 - Due to increased sales during Covid-19, we are currently
low on stock, especially sizes 10 and 12. More stock is on the way from
Kerala as soon as the postal service to the UK is resumed.
Sales are up by almost 80% on this time last year!
Some light in these dark times.
Thank you for your continued support.
low on stock, especially sizes 10 and 12. More stock is on the way from
Kerala as soon as the postal service to the UK is resumed.
Sales are up by almost 80% on this time last year!
Some light in these dark times.
Thank you for your continued support.
Shyni & Vijaya
May 2020
We are just hanging with the hope of everything getting back to normal.
Garment and stitching shops have the least priority to open even after the lockdown, there will still be regulations in place after 15th May.
Seetha - 'It worries me a lot as I can't go to the shop and there is uncertainty in everything'
Naseema - 'It's starting to affect our life as we haven't been able to work for such a long time. Really looking forward to go to shop and start working but not sure for how long this virus going to be around - making everything a struggle'.
Jalaja ' 'It hasn't been long since I started going to the shop after one year's break. Now suddenly things are out of hand and nobody knows
for sure when everything will be OK'.
Shyni - 'We are going through a difficult period. It's not at all easy for me.
I do worry about my unwell husband. I am unable to help the ladies in my
team and their families currently. We all are staying strong and hoping
everything will be back to normal soon'.
We are just hanging with the hope of everything getting back to normal.
Garment and stitching shops have the least priority to open even after the lockdown, there will still be regulations in place after 15th May.
Seetha - 'It worries me a lot as I can't go to the shop and there is uncertainty in everything'
Naseema - 'It's starting to affect our life as we haven't been able to work for such a long time. Really looking forward to go to shop and start working but not sure for how long this virus going to be around - making everything a struggle'.
Jalaja ' 'It hasn't been long since I started going to the shop after one year's break. Now suddenly things are out of hand and nobody knows
for sure when everything will be OK'.
Shyni - 'We are going through a difficult period. It's not at all easy for me.
I do worry about my unwell husband. I am unable to help the ladies in my
team and their families currently. We all are staying strong and hoping
everything will be back to normal soon'.
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July 2019 New Deep Pink Rosa Cotton Fabric being made. See our new Rosa knickers in deep pink fabric made from this material. PJ's soon arriving in the same fabric.
June 2019
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February 2019
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September 2018
Please keep updated with the catastrophic consequences of the recent flooding in Kerala on our special page Our love, thoughts and prayers are with all our producers, colleagues, orphans and friends. We hope that Kerala will soon be restored to being 'God's Own Country'. Don't forget that all profit from sales will go towards our relief fund. Treat yourself to a pair of our unique knickers and help a good cause. Still 2 for the price of 1 on our Shakti polka-dot nix - only until 16th September. |
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May 2018
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January 2018
Back from a month in Kerala. New items on their way, including fairtrade umbrellas, beautiful dressing gowns and more ayurvedic shampoo now in stock. Also - lots more girls needing sponsors. Please consider sponsoring from just £10 a month. December 2017
Do take a look at our delightful penguin pants - great Christmas gift but only 6 pairs left! May 2017
After a quiet few months recovering from 2 operations, I'm almost back to normal. My ill health has meant that I haven't been able to visit Kerala this year yet, but things have been kept going via email and phone calls. We have some new products to go on the website shortly, and as always, we need more sponsors for the girls at Valsalya Bhavan |
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February 2017
Looking forward to seeing some familiar sights in 'The Real Marigold Hotel' Series 2, based in Kochi, Kerala where some of our projects are based.
Looking forward to seeing some familiar sights in 'The Real Marigold Hotel' Series 2, based in Kochi, Kerala where some of our projects are based.
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Fair Trade Fortnight 27th February - 12th March 2017
Read the article about women and girls in India, and how fairtrade helps them. Read about it here |
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December 2016
Merry Christmas
November 2016
October 2016
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Global Anti-Poverty Week 16 – 22 October
please click here for more Info Pictured - Shyni & Seetha in Ponnani |
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September 2016
Our Malabar ladies are planning a re-arrangement of their workshop so that there is more space freed up for the actual stitching rather than retail shop area. This will enable more women to be employed, using the extra sewing machines that will be purchased. Any help with donations towards costs would be much appreciated. Many thanks. |
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May 2016 Saturday 14th May - World Fair Trade Day Fairtrade is an agent for change. It is a tangible solution to poverty eradication, a good tool for sustainable development, and most of all Fair Trade promotes social justice. |
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April 2016
Joining hands and hearts across the globe as we remember the tragedy at Rana Plaza three years ago. 1,134 people were killed and 2,500 injured. Something positive must come out of this, somehow. Fashion Revolution is one such initiative. Fashion Revolution was started as a response to the events at Rana Plaza. It is a global movement that runs all year, celebrating fashion as a positive influence, raising awareness of the fashion industry’s most pressing issues, showing that change is possible and celebrating those who are on a journey to create a more ethical and sustainable future for fashion. http://fashionrevolution.org/ The movement also runs Fashion Revolution Week every year to coincide with the anniversary of Rana Plaza – this year Fashion Revolution Week is the 18th – 24th April. The event is used to encourage people to ask the question “Who made my clothes?” It is about finding out the stories of the real people behind the clothes we wear. |
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January 2016
Back from Kerala, and received good news of being a finalist in the South West Fairtrade Business Awards 2016. The girls at the orphanage were delighted with their gifts, cards and letters from their sponsors - so thanks to all who contributed. |
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December 1st
We're having the charity stall at Bath Christmas Market for one day only. Lots of lovely fair trade goodies. If you're in Bath, do pop by and say hello! Chalet 127 in Orange Grove. |
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November 2015
Fed up with the commercialisation of Christmas? Buy with a conscious from us, and have something a bit different AND make a real difference to women in India. Our new Balaji boxer shorts have now arrived. In beautiful Indian jewels colours, guaranteed to brighten up our dull winter weather! £10 Why 'Balaji' - it's a popular man's name in southern India. |
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September 2015 Our Latest Kerala Crafts Newsletter - Click here Tulasi – who is one of the older girls at Adelaide Bhavan has done really well with her Dance Dreams, we are thrilled that she has been featured in an article by ANASUYA MENON for The Hindu Newspaper, the full article can be found here |
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March 2015
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Kerala Crafts is thrilled to be joint winners of the 'Best Fairtrade Retailer of Multiple Products' in the South West Fairtrade Business Awards 2015
Bristol heroes, Aardman Animations partnered with Fairtrade heroes, Divine chocolate, to present the Awards at The Watershed, Bristol on Friday 6th March to conclude Fairtrade Fortnight in the region. In one of the most hard-fought of categories, Kerala Crafts were joint winners with The Better Food Company, and both received a unique trophy designed by Bristol Blue Glass. Now in its third year, the Awards rewards businesses that demonstrate commitment to using and promoting fairtrade. This year there was a 40% increase in applications. Chris Pay, Head of Shared Interest Foundation, who presented the Award, said: 'The winner sells only fair trade goods, sourcing from some of the most disadvantaged communities in India, thereby transforming the local economy, particularly the lives of women. They clearly communicate their fair trade ethos to customers and other retailers they provide goods to. They take part in local Fairtrade events and use every opportunity to promote Fairtrade locally and nationally'. The Fairtrade Business Awards are part of the Bristol Green Capital 2015 programme and links with the Go Green Business Scheme. ETHICAL FASHION FORUM SOURCE Brand Preview The sustainable fashion showcase online, fashion brands and designs from across the globe. This is what they had to say about Kerala Crafts: Sweet Charity Unique Selling Point...... Affordable, cute and comfortable with a positive back story |
Ethics:
...'They want to give their customers the opportunity to buy something unique but that yet works to all the best ethical standards. .....They start with a challenge and create a creative and clever solution to this challenge; we're quite inspired by this underwear range because it really does bring together great design with the capacity of local producers to provide a product that meets market needs, and stands out.....One to watch out for'. |
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February 2015
Fairtrade Fortnight 2015 Comparing the differences - fairtrade practices compared to some of the sweatshops so often associated with India, where more people have mobile phones than the use of a toilet. Some workers are paid a daily wage of £1.50, Kerala Crafts workers receive more with an extra 25p if they work until midnight. - than this to make just 1 pair of knickers Workplace has no air-con, fire escapes & doors Our clean, light & decorated workshops often locked to prevent workers taking breaks. - ensures the ladies work in a good Work often starts at 5am for an 11 hour shift. environment. Good breaks & shorter working days. SURVIVING - THRIVING Furious pace of work. Pressure always on - Quality of workmanship is appreciated. fired if targets not reached. Keep raising targets. Relationships built on trust & respect. People often treated like machines - given a - Working here '.....makes a remarkable number rather than a name. difference in our lives'. (Seetha) 11-15 year olds employed, often subjected to No child labour is tolerated. Family intimidation & violent abuse. Slapped, kicked or friendly,help with expenses for workers fired if they make mistakes. They are told to - eg health bills. Flexibility of work hide in toilets when inspections take place, or enables work at home if required. All western buyers visit. religions, castes, ages are welcome. Cheap throw-away clothes made under the Good quality products made by women scrutiny of selfish bosses. 'The girls who wear - who smile. 'We enjoy working here these clothes will remember us one day' together. The workplace is like a second ('Clothes to Die For' - BBC 2) home to us'(Malabar Memsahib Welfare) LIFE DIMINISHING LIFE INSPIRING Take responsibility for the clothes we wear - fight foreign sweatshops with the click of a mouse |
Bad
 Good - Kerala Crafts - Jalaja stitching PJB's
Good - Kerala Crafts - happy workers
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December 2014 Are you on Facebook ? We have a new page Like us on Facebook now - thanks Looking for unique, unusual & ethical Christmas gifts? Have a Kerala Christmas, and look at our range of fairtrade and handmade knickers, all presented in a little organza bag. Less frivolous, how about sponsoring one of the girls at the orphanage? Go to our About Us page - to consider helping one of the many new girls arriving at the orphanage. Alternatively, you might like to pay for 6 months tuition for a trainee with the Malabar Memsahib Welfare ladies who make our lovely knickers. They receive daily requests from women asking for work. Please email for details. |
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November 2014
Buy our unique ayurvedic camisoles with a pair of ayurvedic knickers as a set for yoga or sleeping in. Lovely Christmas gifts. Gorgeous choice of knickers, including our new cotton 'Shakti' range - just £5 a pair, including organza gift bag. Have a clear conscience and shop ethically this Christmas from our exclusive range of products. October 2014
We've just taken delivery of our gorgeous bamboo turquoise hipster style panties. With pink and peacock blue upcycled lace trim. Next delivery will be our ayurvedic yoga camisole tops or great to sleep in with our Rosa PJ bottoms. Just back from a short trip to Kerala. Visited Ponnani to sort out new designs/fabrics for knickers. Also boxer shorts for men from Fair Trade Alliance Kerala, and looking into fairtrade umbrellas.
September 2014
August 2014 WOW! Our target on Crowdfunder was reached, and with a bit extra, so it actually raised £1250. This is a fantastic result, and a BIG THANKS to all have given to this appeal. I will be putting names of supporters on the website below and the ladies in Kerala also want to pass on their grateful thanks, for making their dream a reality. It's giving us much pleasure to send out the 'rewards' to all our fantastic donors and it's great to be able to give something back in return for their generosity. We are so grateful to our pledgers for their support and we wish to say a BIG THANK YOU to all who have given, including:
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July 2014 Our Crowdfunder page is almost ready, and will go live on Thursday 10th July. 'Sew Long to Poverty with Kerala Crafts' is an appeal for funds to purchase an industrial sewing machine for our ladies in Ponnani. Crowdfunder gives a platform for our charity, and works quite simply. You click on the link and read all about the project - then you pledge an amount of money, in return for which you will receive a reward. We have some great Keralan rewards, including hand-painted ceramic keyrings, our wonderfully popular fair trade knickers, and sustainable banana fibre baskets and baby dresses. Together - Kerala Crafts and supporters make great things happen. Your support is much appreciated. Thank you |
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June 2014
On 21st June, Kerala Crafts attended the Fare Fashion Gala in Bristol. This event brought to City Hall, a day inspired by eco-fashion, recycling and sustainability - a part of Bristol's Big Green Week. The pop-up ethical village ran from 3 - 11pm, and was followed by a 'We Do Ethical Fashion Show' featuring up-cycled, organic and fairtrade collections from local and international designers. This was hosted by Lucy Siegle, a specialist in sustainable and ethical fashion, and author of 'To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out the World?'. The event highlighted the importance and quality of sustainable fashion and food, issues of waste, unfair prices and unsustainable industry conditions. The evening ended with a sumputuous banquet provided by FareShare, South West. The event was to raise money for the Miss World's Philippines Disaster Fund - and Miss England, Miss Bristol and Miss United Kingdom were in attendance. |
Rosa Fair Trade Knickers being modelled
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May 2014
Soho Fair Traders put Fair Trade into Fashion on Berwick Street - Friday, 9th May saw 10 stalls showcasing ethical fashion and fabrics, products and produce, pitch up in Berwick Street. Stallholders ranged from coffee and chocolate to fabrics, fashion and board games. The Soho Fair Traders Society produced ‘Berwick Street Fair Trader’ T-shirts to educate the public on the true cost of a T-shirt, from picking raw materials to assembly and shipping. Mantis World, Kerala Crafts, People Tree and Offset Warehouse were particularly successful on the day demonstrating the connection between ethical fabrics and Berwick Street market as an engine of trade. “As a fashion designer, I would trawl through Berwick Street to find fabrics that were organic or Fairtrade, and struggled to find anything whatsoever. That’s why we were particularly thrilled that the stall was held on Berwick Street, a “go-to” destination for fabric shoppers”. Charlie Ross, Founder & Director, Offset Warehouse April 2014 On 24th April, the 'Raising for Rana' initiative held a special event including a film screening and fundraising event to raise funds for the victims of the Rana disaster. 'Raising for Rana' is a not-for-profit initiative, working in partnership with multiple organisations, including Open Vizor, Made in Europe, War on Want and TRAID. This event marked the one year anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh, where over 1,100 workers were killed, and 2,500 workers were injured when their building collapsed. The events were held at Regent's University, London where over 200 businesses supported this event by donating their ethical products to the charity auction. The event was a great success, raising over £4000 for the victims of the Rana disaster. Kerala Crafts was happy to donate our Rosa PJB's and knickers, a Milliy basket and a baby bib for the charity auction. |
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22 March 2014
Due to the amazing quantities of knickers that we sell, we are introducing lots of new style knickers this year! Including organic cotton hipster style nics in lime green, pants infused with ayurvedic herbs for wellbeing, french knickers, shorts-style knickers and boxer shorts (so as not to leave the men out!). Most importantly, this keeps our lovely ladies at Ponnani in much-needed work. Please watch the website for additions 'Buy Online - Fairtrade Knickers'. |
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6 March 2014
Kerala Crafts is thrilled to have been given a Gold Award at the South West Fairtrade Business
Awards, for 'Best Fairtrade Retailer - Multiple Products'.
The winners of the 2014 regional Fairtrade Business Awards, sponsored by The Co-operative, were
announced on 6th March at a ceremony at Bristol's City Hall.
The Awards were presented by ethical expert at The Observer and The Guardian, Lucy Siegle.
The aim of the Awards is to increase sales of and support for Fairtrade amongst local businesses,
by promoting businesses that support Fairtrade and encouraging others to do more.
Kerala Crafts is thrilled to have been given a Gold Award at the South West Fairtrade Business
Awards, for 'Best Fairtrade Retailer - Multiple Products'.
The winners of the 2014 regional Fairtrade Business Awards, sponsored by The Co-operative, were
announced on 6th March at a ceremony at Bristol's City Hall.
The Awards were presented by ethical expert at The Observer and The Guardian, Lucy Siegle.
The aim of the Awards is to increase sales of and support for Fairtrade amongst local businesses,
by promoting businesses that support Fairtrade and encouraging others to do more.
February 2014
ETHICAL FASHION FORUM - SOURCE Brand Preview Showcasing over 160 sustainable fashion brands & designers from across the globe.
They had this to say about Kerala Crafts:
ETHICAL FASHION FORUM - SOURCE Brand Preview Showcasing over 160 sustainable fashion brands & designers from across the globe.
They had this to say about Kerala Crafts:
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Ethics.......
All profits go to its charity - a poverty eradication programme for women & an orphanage for girls. |
Unique Selling Point .............
Great at filling a niche right now that's truly covetable knickers. |
Product gems .....
Traditionally homewares - but have branched out to create a gorgeous knicker range. |
31 January 2014
A computer is needed for the office at Valsalya Bhavan. It is very difficult to communicate without this facility.
Is there anyone who can help with funding please? A computer & connection is about £300 in Kerala.
Thanks to Julia & Steve for their contribution towards this!
A computer is needed for the office at Valsalya Bhavan. It is very difficult to communicate without this facility.
Is there anyone who can help with funding please? A computer & connection is about £300 in Kerala.
Thanks to Julia & Steve for their contribution towards this!
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January 2014
New Pjs Following on from our ever-popular Rosa fair trade knickers we now have for sale new pyjama bottoms in the same 100% cotton fabric. This has enabled us to give further work to our Malabar Memsahib ladies - we think you'll like them! |
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December 2013
Kerala Crafts had a stall at 'Blackmore by Candlelight' again at Christmas. It was the perfect event to get you in the festive mood. Log fires............choirs singing,......mulled wine & mince pies, and over 50 stalls selling all sorts of unusual goodies in this wonderful 15th century Manor House. @ Blackmore Farm, Cannington, Bridgwater, Somerset. Proceeds went to support the Children's Hospice South West. |
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November 2013
New Products - Indian Cotton Textiles Kerala Crafts is supporting the FCCA by initially introducing a range of their kitchenware, namely oven gloves, tea cloths and arons. They are made from the famous Kerala handloom, and each product carries the handloom symbol. They are great quality, long lasting and help a good cause. Products are available to purchase, please see our Buy Online page on this website. |
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October 2013
Many thanks to Jabo Model Management, Chattanooga, USA for modelling our Rosa panties.
Many thanks to Jabo Model Management, Chattanooga, USA for modelling our Rosa panties.
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September 2013 Many thanks to The White Horse Musicians for giving money from their CD sales 'From the Horse's Mouth' to the Valsalya Bhavan Orphanage. Gem has been a long-term fundraiser for Kerala Crafts (including a sponsored beard shaving), and his generosity is much appreciated. It enables the girls to have occasional treats, including trips to the seaside. Every single penny paid for any of the CD's goes directly to the charity. With love from us all'. |
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August 2013
We are extremely grateful to Touchstone for their very generous donation of £300, for the provision of sewing machines for the girls at Valsalya Bhavan. This will make a real difference to enabling the girls to further their abilities and to develop their own creativity. It will also encourage them to acquire life-enhancing skills, which will help many of them in their future lives. This gift is made extra-special, as it is from a company in Bath, where we are also based. July 2013 Latest Kerala Crafts Newsletter |
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May 2013
Introducing 'Charutha - Kudumbashree Crafts' Kerala is as richly endowed with crafts as it is with natural beauty. The rich heritage of crafts find their expression in 'Charutha' - products created by women of Kudumbashree - Kerala's women empowerment mission.Besides enhancing the livelihood of artisans, this initiative also contributes to the revival of many ethnic crafts that are gradually losing their rightful place in the culture and society of Kerala. Kudumbashree assists the women to refine their products and access suitable markets, such as 'Responsible Tourism' outlets. |
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March 16th 2013
Official opening of the new orphanage for girls, Valsalya Bhavan. For several years Kerala Crafts has been fundraising for this joint venture, and now our vision has become a reality! Many thanks to all benefactors who have given so generously over the last few years, those named and those nameless - but certainly loved! |
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March 8th 2013 On Friday 8th March, Kerala Crafts received a silver award in the Best Fairtrade Supplier category from the South West Fairtrade Business Awards ceremony given by Levi Roots |
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April 2013
New for Kerala Crafts. A new 'limited edition' range of fair trade knickers, designed especially for Kerala Crafts, by Emiliana Underwear. This year sees the celebration of 15 years of Kudumbashree.The knickers will be in green and purple the colours of their logo - the 3 purple petals symbolise economic, social and women's empowerment and the green stems, prosperity. Soft sage green bamboo jersey, with khaki upcycled lace trim and a deep purple bow. July 2012 Latest Kerala Crafts Newsletter |
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May 2012 New Orphanage Construction Up until May 2011, the girls were living in a small, sub-standard rented building and things became impossible for them to carry on there. Subsequently they have been rehoused in temporary accommodation by the Cochin Urban Poverty Reduction Project. Their new permanent home is in the process of being built, and will provide room for more rescued girls, and a modern, well equipped building. The girls have had to endure a lack of facilities for a long time, and they deserve better. The new building is on schedule to be completed by Christmas 2012. Our vision is to ensure that the girls enjoy their rights to survival, protection, development and participation, by providing them with a permanent building. Any offers of financial help would be much appreciated. |
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