Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of Haiti’s devastating 7.0 earthquake that killed an estimated 230,000 people, injured 300,000, and made 1,000,000 homeless. The earthquake caused major damage in Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and other settlements in the region and over the 12 days that followed, the country experienced at least 52 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater.
Despite the devastation and the recovery efforts, good has come from the tragedy in the form of . Heart of Haiti is employs local artisans to home decor handcrafts which are sold exclusively at Macy’s. The Heart of Haiti line demonstrates the spirit and creativity of the people of Haiti and is reflected in the vibrant colors and joyful patterns of each piece. Haitian artisans create pieces for the home with love and care passed down from generation to generation that are stunning works of art. The purchase one of these products helps the Haitian artisans preserve their cultural history, restore their homes and rebuild their communities. As Master Artisan Serge Jolimeau states: “with help and hard work, we will rise again.” The sales of Heart of Haiti products at Macy’s put real, sustainable income into the hands of the artisans who create them, changing their lives in remarkable ways and provides financial benefits for an estimated 4,000- 5,000 people in the country.
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| Heart of Haiti Watermelon Bowl- $16 |
While at Blogalicious in Miami this past October, I had the opportunity to meet one of the Haitian women who is part of Heart of Haiti. The Heart of Haiti table in the conference expo hall displayed a beautiful array of affordably priced handcrafted items. From the colorful watermelon bowl ($16) made out of paper to the handforged stamped metal bowls depicting birds and branches($25-60) crafted out of recycled oil drums, Heart of Haiti items are certainly pieces that I’d be proud to display in my home not only because they are conversation starters but also because their purchase supports economic empowerment for people in Haiti.
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| Metal giftware formed from oil drums |
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More information on the Heart of Haiti Project and the products for purchase can be found at http://www.macys.com/heartofhaiti.
I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own. No compensation was received for this post although I will receive a necklace made by the Heart of Haiti artisans for my participation in this campaign.
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Thanks for reading Tech Savvy Mama through your feed!Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
©2012
©2012
I am so glad you wrote about this. There’s a Macy’s around 30 minutes from my house, and I’m going to make the next couple of gifts I buy Heart of Haiti-made.