Style That Gives Back: Bridge for Africa Telephone Wire Bracelets

Believe it or not, we’ve reached the final installment of this summer’s Style That Gives Back series (we’re tearing up!). Each week we spotlighted some of our favorite Fair Trade items from all over the globe. From Colombia to Kenya to Thailand, these items came to us from all over and we couldn’t have been happier to share their stories with you. In this final post, we’ll be featuring the fabulous Telephone Wire Bracelets from Bridge for Africa.

Bridge, which stands for Building Resources to Inspire Dignity, Growth and Empowerment, began in 2003. By chance, an African woman and an American woman met in South Africa. There, they discussed the extraordinary art that comes out of the African continent and the lack of rewards the talented artisans receive for producing it. From this realization, they envisioned a non-profit organization focused on fixing this problem. And so, Bridge for Africa was born.

Today, this organization is a respected producer of contemporary crafts, jewelry, and artwork in the American market. As proud members of the Fair Trade Federation, they offer fair wages, equal working opportunities, and a commitment to safe working conditions. Their goal is to provide stable work and a living wage to all of their talented artists. They promote sustainable development in Africa and hope to help provide hope for future generations.

The Telephone Wire Bracelets are not just colorful statement pieces but chic additions to any outfit. Worn alone or in sets of two or three, they’ll capture everyone’s attention with their vibrancy. These unique items are all handmade and available in select campus bookstores. Swing by today!

Fashion for a cause never goes out of style. Look good. Do good. Feel good.

For a look back at all of our past installments of Style That Gives Back, check below:

Global Handmade Hope’s Patchwork Coin Purses
Thanda Zulu Beaded Jewelry
Aluminum and Brass Hollow Earrings by Global Handmade Hope
SEAsTra Open Weave Scarves
Tagua Flower Cuffs
The Leakey Collection I AM Charm Bracelets
Cana Flecha Cuffs
Acacia Healing Hearts Bracelets
The Leakey Collection Beads for Learning
Kamibashi String Dolls

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Style That Gives Back: Kamibashi String Dolls

What better way to give back than by making people smile? That’s exactly what the String Dolls by Kamibashi do. These adorable handmade dolls are sure to put a big grin on anyone’s face.  What’s even better is that all of the talented artisans responsible for their creation are paid above the living wage in Thailand!

Kamibashi is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and has always been committed to Fair Trade business principles. They work with two groups of artisans from rural, farming villages in the Northern part of Thailand and pay fair prices and above-average commissions for all of the amazing work. Their String Dolls come from a variety of sources and the artisans are dedicated to creating high-quality, well-designed products.

What exactly is a String Doll, you ask? Each doll is handcrafted into a loveable character using one piece of string. There are more than 100 different characters and each is durable enough to be used as a keychain or as a bag charm. They make fantastic gifts – each is given a “good luck power, inscribed on a fabric tag.” Pick one that suits you or someone close to you!

These String Dolls are sure to put a smile on everyone’s faces. Pick one up at your campus bookstore today!

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Style That Gives Back: Acacia Healing Hearts Bracelets

Acacia Creations are a fantastic example of Style That Gives Back. Their vibrantly colored bracelets featured in this next post are not just made from recycled materials – their proceeds directly benefit the artisans and their families. All artists are paid a monthly

salary in addition to a percentage of what they make, allowing all Acacia employees to earn five times the Kenyan national average. The Healing Hearts Collection focuses specifically on child healthcare – the sale of 10 bracelets can provide treatment for a child with malaria and the sale of 20 can cover all childhood immunizations.

Acacia, located in Nairobi, Kenya, has been making their jewelry creations since 2007. They follow Fair Trade practices

and focus on giving directly to families and communities. For each piece of jewelry sold, 15-35% is given back to Kenyan Communities. We’re happy to carry their Healing Hearts Bracelet Collection at our campus bookstores.

These bracelets are the perfect complement to any summer outfit. When paired with an outfit of neutral colors, the bright beads won’t just have you looking good…you’ll feel good too!

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