What if we could buy our gifts this holiday season and give back a little while doing it?
Consider shopping with the following organizations, at the holidays or anytime, and revel in the knowledge that the money you spend is benefiting a worthy cause.
Best Friends Pet Adoption
An all-foster network of volunteers runs this no-kill animal rescue organization based in Cary, providing medical care, foster homes and adoption services to dogs and cats. To support operations, BFPA maintains an online shop carrying apparel, baby items, and accessories emblazoned with the organization’s logo, and sporting slogans like “My heart belongs to a rescued cat” and “”Proud Owner of a Rescued Dog.”
bfpa.org
Evolvemint
As early as 10 years of age, Sophia Hyder nurtured a passion for international development by going to work with her father in Sri Lanka. As an adult, with a master’s of International Development Policy from Duke University, Hyder founded Evolvemint, which partners with artisans and business owners in Bangladesh to produce vibrant silk scarves and handmade clutches. Each purchase contributes to providing employment opportunities, economic growth and viable markets for fledgling enterprises in the Asian nation. At home, 10 percent of sales of a custom “Pretty in Pink” scarf provide financial assistance for those fighting breast cancer. evolvemintfashion.com
JustNeem
Producers of body care products containing super herb neem, this Cary company was founded with a social mission at its heart — to empower the people of Mauritania, West Africa, with economic opportunities and increased quality of life. JustNeem’s founders have helped their partner community establish a thriving orchard and solar-powered water pump, as well as educate the native people on the benefits and enterprises surrounding neem. Ten percent of company profits are reinvested into the Mauritanian community. justneem.com
Guardian Angel Thrift
Fuquay-Varina’s landmark 26,000-square-foot thrift store could be a one-stop-shop for savvy shoppers who enjoy the hunt. Founded by Laura Gaddis in honor of her mother, profits from Guardian Angel Thrift are dedicated to funding Alzheimer’s research. More than $1.6 million has been donated so far, and a second location recently opened in Apex. Find new and gently used clothing, linens, furniture, electronics, housewares and more at great price points. guardianangelthrift.org
Noonday Collection
Noonday Collection offers one-of-a-kind jewelry, accessories and gifts and provides employment for artisans in vulnerable communities worldwide. Shop online or at a home-based trunk show and you’ll support craftsmen from Vietnam to Guatemala, Uganda to Peru.
“Our pieces are fair trade and handmade, providing opportunity for people that otherwise have little hope of breaking the chains of poverty in their lives,” said local Noonday Collection ambassador Brandi Mendenhall. “Our hope at Noonday Collection is that by providing dignified job creation and a living wage that families will remain intact and fewer children will be relinquished as orphans.” noondaycollection.com
