SERRV: Artisans from MarketPlace: Handwork of India visit SERRV store in Madison

Contact:

Serena Sato, SERRV

1.608.251.3766

serenas@serrv.org

Madison, Wis. (07/20/2011) – MarketPlace: Handwork of India is a nonprofit fair trade organization working to empower women in poor areas of Mumbai through the sales of their hand printed and embroidered textiles. Earning a living and supporting their families has given the women of MarketPlace the independence and self-confidence to develop their own opinions, values and dreams. SERRV has been in partnership with MarketPlace: Handwork of India for over 15 years.

SERRV is pleased to welcome artisans Manisha Pawar and Shaily Agarwal of MarketPlace: Handwork of India to Madison, WI. We will explore how fair trade has impacted their lives and take a deeper look at their hopes for the future.

Artisans will be available for interviews the morning of Friday, July 29th; please contact Serena Sato (serenas@serrv.org) for details.

Please join us Thursday, July 28th from 5:30-7pm for an evening of empowering stories and discussion about how fair trade impacts the lives of marginalized artisans. Enjoy delicious appetizers from Taste of India and fair trade coffee from Just Coffee. SERRV store is located at 2701 Monroe St. in Madison.

SERRV was founded in 1949 as one of the first fair trade organizations in the world with a mission to eradicate poverty using tools of sustainable trade and direct assistance. SERRV currently provides a market for artisan crafts made by 65 community groups in 35 countries through its direct mail catalog, e-commerce site and wholesale channels. SERRV is based in Madison, Wisconsin and New Windsor, Maryland. SERRV is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. http://www.serrv.org