Jubilee Now Part of Upper Valley MEND
Jubilee is located at 723 Front Street, Second Floor, in Leavenworth, WA 98826
(509) 548-3508 — www.jubileeglobalgifts.com — sandi@uvmend.org
LISTEN TO JUBILEE'S LATEST COMMERCIAL ON KOHO RADIO | Jubilee Commercial |
On April 1st, 2011 Jubilee Global Gifts came under the Umbrella of Upper Valley MEND. Founders Mary & John explained the history of Jubilee and the significant transition to MEND:
"Jubilee celebrated its seventeenth birthday at the beginning of this year. It was a retirement dream. The shop was a way to continue our interest in justice and peace for marginalized people. There was no fair trade store in Leavenworth when we moved here in 1994. My brother, John Rieke, said he would gladly give us the space for the store and this reality has continued through his children. With free rent and volunteer help, the store has been able to support MEND, Habitat for Humanity and other organizations chosen by our volunteers. It seems only fitting that Jubilee be given to MEND as John and I “retire” for the second time. Jubilee in the Scriptures was the way God chose to equalize the disparity between the poor and the wealthy. We know that this will continue to happen through MEND. John and I will continue to work as volunteers in the shop. Fair trade is still of great interest to us and we are happy to continue our support. We give thanks to the community for its support of Jubilee, and to Sandi Thompson-Royer for taking over the management."
The current Manager, Sandi Thompson-Royer, describes the unique connection between Jubilee and Upper Valley MEND:
"Each morning as I walk through Jubilee Global Gifts surrounded by beauty, straightening up and seeing what’s in stock, I try to connect myself with the artisans. I am curious about their lives, wondering if their children are in school, if nourishing food graces their tables and if they have clean water to drink. MEND’s acronym – Meeting Each Need With Dignity fits so well with fair trade. Not only are we providing hope here in the valley, we are extending our efforts beyond borders and into Peru, Guatemala, Vietnam, Zimbabwe and many more poor countries. When I share this story with customers, they too are amazed. I am so thankful to be a part of this, and thankful for the legacy of fairness and social justice that has been passed down through the efforts of John and Mary Schramm. Over the next year, we want to share some of these stories through our newsletter and educational events in the store. I think you will be surprised at the many connections we have here in Leavenworth to other places in the world and how their efforts are supporting communities in Peru, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Guatemala, Mexico and beyond.
