Heart of Haiti Collection – Gifts with Purpose

As the holidays approach, many of us are caught up thinking about hosting family and buying gifts. Do you also think about ways you can help those in need? I have a great suggestion for you. Support amazing artisans from Haiti with the Heart of Haiti program. You will get a lovely item for your home to show off during the holidays and help a family in need. Check out the Heart of Haiti Collection at Macy’s to get more information and to shop.

Did you know Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere? Despite the devastating earthquake; people there are still filled with hope and a desire to improve their lives through employment. Many Haitians identify themselves as artists. Creativity and the arts are strongly rooted in the community.

I first learned about this program at the Type-A Parent conference in Atlanta last month. They had a table showing off many of the lovely, one-of-a-kind items in the collection. I would have purchased more there if I had room in my suitcase.

To help spread the word, I was sent this lovely Giraffe statue. My kids love it so much I have to keep them from playing with it like it’s a toy. I’ve placed it as a good-luck idol in our dining room. There are so many great products to choose from at Macy’s to support this project.

Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy’s. “Trade not aid” is a powerful way to create sustainable work and much needed financial opportunities.

The Heart of Haiti initiative provides artists with an opportunity to make a living, feed their families, and pay their children’s school fees. Already, The Heart of Haiti collection has led to the employment of 750 artists in Haiti providing financial benefits for an estimated 5,000 people in the country. The campaign pays in excess of fair wage to the talented artisans who create the product, giving them the dignity of work and economic self-determination.

The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, and paintings. The craftsmanship and technique behind these works of art, ranging from papier-mâché vases to hand cut metal frames & wall hangings, is truly remarkable.

The collection is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums, and local wood. Sharing a “gift that gives back” is a great way to raise awareness and celebrate artistry and regrowth.

As you think about your holiday celebrations and gift giving, I hope you will consider getting and/or giving a Heart of Haiti item. I know I will.

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