Sponsored by the Women’s Alliance of the Unitarian Church
November 22, 2008 from 10am-2pm
What is an Alternative Gift?
An alternative gift is a nontraditional way of giving. Rather than buying yet one more necktie for Uncle George or toy for your niece (who has too many), honor them instead by giving in their name a life-sustaining gift to help abolish global poverty or to renew our planet's environment. Giving an Alternative Gift is also a way to combat the consumerism of our society (especially the holiday craziness) and a way to help the world meet some of its needs.
What is an Alternative Gift Fair?
At our Alternative Gift Market we will have several global charities and several local charities. The charities represent a wide range of gifting options to support the environment, sustainable development, medical needs, self-reliance, and food. The Parish House at the Unitarian Memorial Church will be setup with tables for all of the groups. Additionally there will be some Fair Trade gifts for sale. We expect to have a festive atmosphere.
How does the recipient of the alternative gift know about the gift?
When the shopper buys an alternative gift, he or she receives an attractive card with an insert to send or give to the recipient. The insert is a printed announcement which describes the project for which a donation has been made. The insert describes the project but does not include the prices on the shopping list or the amount of the donation.
How much of my donation goes directly to the project?
One hundred percent of the donations to the local organizations and to Heifer International go directly to the projects described.
In the case of the global organizations, ninety percent goes directly to the sponsoring organizations. These organizations have pledged to spend 100% of the funds received on the projects described. The other 10% goes to Alternative Gifts International (AGI), a nonprofit organization that organizes gift markets each year. AGI provides support and resources so that organizations such as our can operate the gift market in their own community. The 10% helps AGI cover their expenses.
Alternative Gifts International has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for organizational efficiency which means that their fund raising and administrative expenses are relatively low. For more information on Alternative Gifts Int’l, visit their website at www.alternativegifts.org.
How were the organizations chosen?
The Women’s Alliance along with the Minister, Reverend Ann C. Fox, of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven selected the organization for the Alternative Gift Market. The Alliance tried to choose a group of organizations that, taken all together, are addressing a wide range of needs within the community, around the nation, and globally.
Will there be anything else for sale at the market?
There will fair trade coffee, tea and chocolates from Equal Exchange. There also will be some Fair Trade and Recycled products from by Great to Green a local company. Information about them can be found at www.greattobegreen.com.
Are Volunteers Needed? And what needs to be done?
At this point we need Volunteers to:
Please contact the church office with any additional questions (508-992-7081).