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Who made what you are wearing?

Everything we wear or purchase has been made by an actual person. Touched by their hands. I love to stop and think about that sometimes. And wonder… who made my clothes? Jewelry? Accessories?   This is why we like to highlight the different artisans behind JustOne. Because not only did an actual person - like Bosco shown here - make them but your purchase directly impacts them. When you buy from JustOne, artisans are provided fair dignified work. From that they have been able to send their children to school. Buy land, cattle, food. Build homes. End poverty. We are so honoured to partner with these incredible artisans and love giving you a glimpse into how amazing they are. Thank you...

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Happy International Women's Day!

As I think back on our time in Africa last week, I think of strong, courageous women who are taking a stand and making a difference in their families and communities. I can not wait to share stories of these women (and the men!) over the coming days but for International Women's Day today I thought I'd share the story of one woman in particular who stands out for me every time I visit with her. Meet Damaris.  The first time I met Damaris was in 2014, and I was completely impressed. Damaris is a mother of 5 and works so hard to support her husband and family. Besides her work as an artist with our group in Kibera Slums,...

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Africa trip

Next week my sister and I are heading back to Africa to meet with our JustOne artists. As always, we are excited to get back and to see what changes there has been - as well as to assess needs, and how we can best support their communities in both Kenya and Uganda. Over the past several years, we have been overwhelmed by people's generosity. We are constantly asked about ways that people here can help people there. We love the idea of creating connections between our North American friends and our African artists. Here are some ways you may want to consider getting involved this trip: 1) On this visit, we will be looking to again bring safety supplies...

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Bryan's View: Christmas in Kibera

Bryan Jaybee was born and raised in Kibera slums where he still resides. He is 22 years old and a journalism student at Multimedia University of Kenya, currently in his final year. Bryan regularly shares an insider’s view on life in Kibera on our blog with his photos and words. You can follow Bryan on instagram at @kiberastories for daily posts on life in Kibera.  The song 'Mary's Boy Child' resonates into the air. The Christmas feeling can be felt all over the surroundings. It's business as usual and the streets are full of people - all in the rush for last minutes Christmas preparations and the shops in the streets are decorated with fairy lights to attract customers. It's Christmas Eve and both the...

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Thank you.

How do I begin to say thank you?  On Saturday I turned 40 (it didn't even hurt). And my birthday wish had been this 40 dress campaign. Raising enough to purchase 40 of our artists in Africa a brand new dress as many had never had one. You can read about the campaign and watch a video of me explaining it here.  At the end of the campaign I added up the numbers and was blown away by your support.  Through your generosity, there was raised enough for 53 dresses. AND.... 14 men's outfits. This is all of our artists in both Kenya and Uganda that we work with!  As well new dresses were provided for a small group of HIV+ women...

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