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About Us
The inspiration for our name—Ten Thousand Villages—came from a Mahatma Gandhi quote: “…India is not to be found in its few cities but in the 700,000 villages…we have hardly ever paused to inquire if these folks get sufficient to eat and clothe themselves with.” To us, each village in the world represents a unique, distinctive people…offering extraordinary products born of their rich cultures and traditions.
Trading Fairly for 60 Years
Since 1946 Ten Thousand Villages has supported the work of literally tens of thousands of artisans in over 37 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, making us one the largest fair trade organizations in North America. Working with 130 artisan groups, we purchase fine pieces from craftspeople with whom we have longstanding, nurturing relationships... helping to bring dignity to their lives.
Ten Thousand Villages is a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association, an organization that includes over 200 members in 55 countries, including many artisan groups in developing countries. We are part of a worldwide movement that is striving to improve the livelihood of disadvantaged people in developing countries through the expansion of fair trade.
» International Fair Trade Association (IFAT)
Quality Products from Diverse Cultures
We market quality products from diverse cultures around the world made by people that we know and care enough about to do business in a manner that together we consider fair. We strive to operate as a business with a compassionate mission so that we can provide vital, fair income to artisans. Our dream is to one day see that all artisans in developing countries will earn a fair wage, be treated with dignity and respect and be able to live a life of quality.
Over 160 Retail Stores Across North America
Ten Thousand Villages was a big idea that started out small – from the trunk of Edna Ruth Byler’s car, in fact. But years of dedication and giving have grown our organization to the point where our retail operation spans North America with over 160 outlets where fine, eclectic village wares can be purchased. You’ll find everything from folk art and heirloom-quality home décor, to ceramics, textiles, baskets, jewelry and musical instruments in our stores and at our festival sales.
Our Name and Logo
Our logo represents the values we want to invest in the name Ten Thousand Villages. The continuous line of rooftops reminds us we are all linked together as we live on this earth. The light in the doors and windows reminds us of homes of people with whom we work in many villages. The warm red color and hand-etched edge represent the materials and methods used to make the quality handicrafts we sell. Multiply the village idea by ten thousand and it represents the world we’re working to build. We invite you to join us in making this vision a reality.
2008 Annual Report
The Ten Thousand Villages Annual Report [2.8MB] for the period April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008 is available as a PDF document.
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