Tis the season for tourists here in Hay on Wye, and many of them are from across the pond. Our Canadian and American visitors often comment that our shop is similar to Ten Thousand Villages. This is a HUGE compliment as Ten Thousand Villages is a pioneer of the fair trade movement and a shining example of a truly sustainable business.

TTV was set up back in 1946, after founder Edna Ruth Byler witnessed poverty in Puerto Rico and began selling hand crafted products from her car boot. The organisation has since grown to represent over 120 artisans in more than 35 countries.

Ten Thousand Villages are purchasing over $1 million of products from artisans in developing countries each year. Imagine the number of lives that have been improved by their continued support. And as well as over 100 stores in the US and Canada, TTV’s products are sold wholesale to churches, community groups and colleges – spreading the fair trade message and increasing revenues.

If we can bring a tiny amount of TTV's success to our little corner of Wales we'd be delighted!