Why I bought Gifts of Hope Merchandise, and will again.

On Cyber Monday, I posted a picture on Instagram of a few of the Gifts of Hope merchandise I was considering buying. They were having a sale that day only, 25% off. We have given Gifts of Hope before, for those in need to receive. Last year we bought chickens, rabbits, a bicycle, a well, and more, but never purchased the “merchandise”. I knew I wanted to buy something because every purchase directly supports the livelihood of the craftsman who made the gift, and I wanted to tell you about it. I couldn’t tell you to buy something I’ve never bought myself, now could I?

“Each gift is meticulously handcrafted by an individual who depends on its sale for survival. In fact, they’re more than just gifts, they’re livelihoods. For every purchase, a family is fed, school fees are paid, shores are bought and so much more.” — World Help

I don’t need a better reason to make a purchase. It’s no secret that I love World Help and believe they are doing an extraordinary work giving hope and help around the world. I’ve seen first hand, the lives that have been transformed. But, let’s be honest. I wasn’t sure about the quality of the products I would receive. I like to touch and feel before I buy anything, and of course I couldn’t. I decided to order the Rwandan bracelet, and the Rwandan messenger bag. I received the box from World Help in the mail, and wasn’t sure what it was. It came so much quicker than I expected. I opened the shipping package and pulled out a box so simply and excellently wrapped in a raffia bow. I then realized what it was.

If there is a gift to be opened, the toddler will be the first to volunteer. Seeing her unwrap it, almost made me cry. Yes, I can be that sensitive. What moved me was what the box contained and what it meant for the craftsman who created its contents. Emmanuel Ndahayo sewed the messenger bag I received. He and his sister live in Africa, were both orphaned, and struggled for years to survive. Emmanuel, now 28, recently completed a tailoring degree that has given him a stable source of income. Though he once feared lack, now he has hope and confidence he can provide for his own children.

World Help has tailoring programs in Africa, and their purpose is to empower individuals, and give them a chance to grow and learn to allow them to use their talent to help sustain their lives. And if I can play a small part in it by not only purchasing items, but telling you about them so you have the opportunity, too, then I will. And I don’t know why I doubted. I’ve never seen anything World Help has done, done less than excellent. The packaging and the products I received were no different; the bag is made of bright colorful fabric of good quality, and the bracelet, which is the white one pictured above, is beautiful and sturdy. I look forward to buying more products as gifts.