T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ On Friday, Sept. 22 Trinity Lutheran Church will host a free meal and Fair Trade event from 5:30-7 p.m., whereby attendees can learn about “Trades of Hope,” a company which sells ethically produced fashion accessories, created by women all over the world, giving them economic opportunity. Pictured are some examples of the merchandise.

“We want to support Fair Trade efforts that really maximize benefits to the people.”

These are the words of Pastor Gregg Davison. His congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church, will host a “Trades of Hope” meal and program, Friday Sept. 22 in an event that is free and open to the public.

Trades of Hope is a company that works with artisans from all over the world and organizations that assist women who are overcoming economic adversity, by selling their ethically produced wares.

Amanda Thill, Trinity’s church council president, got the idea to hold a Trades of Hope party at the church as a way of exposing the community to Fair Trade goods.

“I first encountered this company when I won one of their giveaways and was really impressed with the quality of the products and the company’s mission.”

Leslie Trettin, a Compassionate Entrepreneur with the company, will serve as the party’s hostess. All products purchased during the party (and online through her party profile) will generate credits the church can earn to then purchase items.

“We are starting the event with a free meal from 5:30-6 p.m., catered by Smokin’ G’s,” Davison said. “Then Leslie will give a presentation and allow people to shop.”

The products range from jewelry to scarves, wallets, bags, clothing, household items and more.

“A lot of things are made through recycled goods — things we would just throw away,” Davison explained.

Goods are produced by women artisans from Haiti, Guatemala, Nepal, Cambodia, Uganda, Peru and other countries. Many live in extreme poverty, have been rescued from sex slavery, or have been impacted by war, violence and disease.

“Each purchase comes with a card telling about the artisan who made it,” Thill added. “The products make for unique gifts — things you don’t see everyday, and they are limited edition items because the catalog changes. We are also hoping to sign people up to be local representatives of Trades of Hope.”

While some products will be available to purchase and take home the night of the party, most items will require shipping.

People may shop the party now through Monday, Sept. 25 at 8 a.m. by visiting: www.mytradesofhope.com/parties/62056

For more information, Trettin can be reached at: leslie.tradesofhope@gmail.com. The church may be reached at: 641-753-7769.

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at 641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com