Season's greetings! As you consider your gift-giving needs this Christmas, we want to share with you the unique story and purpose behind each carefully chosen item in the Liberian and Local Christmas Basket we’ve curated this year. We encourage you to not only celebrate the festive season but also embrace the spirit of giving back through our Christmas basket and making a positive impact, both globally and locally.
Why Liberia?
Liberia, often considered one of the poorest countries in the world, is home to a wealth of natural resources and talent waiting to be discovered. Your Liberia Pure Honey and Soap are not just delightful additions to your Christmas basket – they represent empowerment for Liberian farmers and coconut growers. The rich, dark honey from Liberia's tropical rainforest not only tantalizes your taste buds but also serves as a vital source of income for farmers. Similarly, the Liberia Pure Soap, blended with luxurious coconut oil, brings the natural goodness of Liberia to your skincare routine, providing an additional source of income to coconut growers.
Indulge in the award-winning Wallace Chocolate Bar made from Liberian cocoa. These bars are not only a delicious treat but also support a sustainable cocoa industry in Liberia. By choosing Wallace Chocolate, you contribute to transparent and fair trade practices that benefit the farmers and the industry as a whole.
The beeswax candle is a nod to all the beekeeping programs in Liberia. Beekeepers earn valuable additional incomes when they sell their beeswax to cosmetic producers and candle makers. This beeswax candle is a testament to what our beekeeping program can lead to.
As you uncover the charming woven basket and hand-printed cards, crafted with care by a women's cooperative in Uganda, East Africa, remember that your support extends beyond borders. This collaboration empowers women and fosters sustainable livelihoods, showcasing the interconnectedness of our global community.
Local Impact with East Van Roasters
In the heart of Vancouver, East Van Roasters is making a difference in the Downtown Eastside community. Your mornings are now accompanied by the aromatic East Van Roasters Coffee, where each sip contributes to job creation and positive change. By supporting this local social enterprise, you play a role in fostering employment opportunities and strengthening the community.
The Bejofo Estate Chocolate, a single-origin chocolate bar by East Van Roasters, offers a rich and bold taste of Madagascar cocoa and supports career opportunities for women facing barriers to employment in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Your indulgence becomes a force for positive change, breaking down barriers and creating pathways for individuals seeking meaningful work.
Make a Difference, One Basket at a Time
Thank you for joining us in spreading joy and making a positive impact this holiday season. Your Liberia & Local Christmas Basket is more than just a collection of products – it's a symbol of empowerment, sustainability, and community support. Beyond the impact that purchasing these products has, $40 from each basket goes to Strive, Universal Outreach Community Learning Center in Liberia, West Africa and $20 will be donated to Eacst Van Roasters to support their work in bringing career training opportunities to underresourced women in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. As you enjoy these thoughtfully curated items, remember the ripple effect your choices create, reaching far beyond the holiday season.
You can order a basket or collection of soaps by visiting the Christmas 2023 page on our website.
For more information about Universal Outreach’s work in Liberia and how you can continue to make a difference, visit www.universaloutreachfoundation.org.