2011 was the World Market’s best year ever! Sales totaled $6,260 with profits of $2,131 …. $1,549 going to HELP (Haitian Education and Leadership Program, uhelp.net) and $582 to the Colombia Project. Although we have ventured out into the community at the South Miami Farmer’s Market and Fairchild’s Ramble, RPCVs remain our best customers.
However, the World Market is about more than making money. It’s a way to fulfill the Third Goal of the Peace Corps – to help our citizens better understand other people and their cultures. Our customers are often truly impressed by how the women of Global Mamas use just about everything in making their bags, jewelry etc. (Talk about recycle!) There is a person-to-person connection there and, I believe, the customer leaves our booth with a respect for these women in Ghana.
The World Market will be at the South Miami Farmer’s Market (SMFM) on the first and third Saturdays of the month through April … just in case you need a birthday present, are out of coffee or decide to treat yourself to that necklace you’ve been eyeing for awhile. SMFM is on the south side of Sunset Drive just west of U.S. 1 in front of City Hall. There is a huge green tent on market days; you can’t miss it!
Many thanks to true, blue volunteers Sally Rowley and Stan Boynton who show up every Market Day. Other volunteers (especially for the volunteer intensive Ramble) include Steve Rawlins, Doris Vincent, Marti Sweitzer, Liz Whitney and Friends of Peace Corps, Janice Mauldin and Alma Shissler.
