Festival of Hope
Chapel Hill has a decades-long tradition of offering a true fair trade marketplace every year because we want to help you find great gifts that make a difference. Stocking-stuffers, unique accessories, children’s items, global home and Christmas decor…there is something for everyone! We’ve invited Ten Thousand Villages Seattle to help host our in-person boutique in the Gathering Place on Giving Tuesday, November 30, from 2:30 – 8:00 pm.
ONLINE ORDERS OPEN FOR PICK-UP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5
Fresh-made wreathes and stocking stuffers available for ordering online to pick-up on December 5, 8:15 am – 12:45 pm in the church lobby.
Festival of Hope is also about telling the stories of craftspeople and farmers around the globe who deserve to earn enough to feed their families. And about the survivors of trauma, even in our own country, who bear the image of God and are healing through dignified work. Many of the items for sale are even signed by their maker, which makes a really meaningful gift. It is a joy to host this event. If you’d like to help in any way, sign up here.
Our spending makes just as much of an impact for justice as our giving. How we shop matters. This is especially true on some of the food items we consume most, like coffee and chocolate, with competitive markets that can exploit laborers. So you can definitely pick up those treats at Festival of Hope, but make fair trade or direct trade a grocery habit, too!
We have also sourced merchandise directly from Haiti and Thailand where our global outreach partners serve. A significant way to make a difference in their lives is to contribute to their healthy economy. Papillon in Haiti came about for the purpose of helping mothers to raise (instead of adopt out) their own children. Thai Village not only trains and employs people, but they also actively share God’s love in their community.
We encourage intentional shopping year-round. Scroll down for a few of our favorite vendors over the years. They have unique selections for when you need a birthday or hospitality gift. And telling their stories will give you more excuses to display the redeeming love of Christ.
Papillon Marketplace – variety from Haiti
2nd Story Goods – variety from Haiti
Starfish Project – elegant jewelry
Branded Collective – on-trend jewelry
Purpose Boutique Tacoma – women’s fashion, local
Abrazo Style – Mexican clothing and accessories
Sseko Designs – leather, apparel, footwear
Alaffia – body care, made in Washington
Prodigal Pottery – handmade in Alabama
Thistle Farms – body care in Tennessee
Aruna Project – athleisure brand