Global Gifts was born out of a desire to combat world hunger
In 1986, three women at Calvin Christian Reformed Church wanted to actively contribute to seeking solutions to combat world hunger. As members of the Social Action Committee of the church, they suggested starting a store to sell products made by international artisans. When the store first opened there were very few suppliers, so limited products to sell, and few other local businesses with a similar mission.
Initially, one of the concerns was how to sustain the store without any paid employees. From its very beginning the store was to be staffed by volunteers. This early concern was unfounded, however. When volunteers were needed, they showed up easily and willingly. Volunteers from churches and neighborhoods all over Grand Rapids have been faithfully and diligently volunteering since day one.
The original idea of a few people to counter the international hunger crisis has blossomed into a successful non-profit business. Global Gifts is now part of the Fair Trade movement and has consistently, year after year, helped create opportunities for artisans all around the world to earn a living wage. The money you spend at Global Gifts contributes to the original goal of the founders to help people throughout the world support themselves and their families with independence and dignity, and the creation of a more just economy.
Initially, one of the concerns was how to sustain the store without any paid employees. From its very beginning the store was to be staffed by volunteers. This early concern was unfounded, however. When volunteers were needed, they showed up easily and willingly. Volunteers from churches and neighborhoods all over Grand Rapids have been faithfully and diligently volunteering since day one.
The original idea of a few people to counter the international hunger crisis has blossomed into a successful non-profit business. Global Gifts is now part of the Fair Trade movement and has consistently, year after year, helped create opportunities for artisans all around the world to earn a living wage. The money you spend at Global Gifts contributes to the original goal of the founders to help people throughout the world support themselves and their families with independence and dignity, and the creation of a more just economy.