Haiti has been hit hard over the past few years. First by a earthquake in January of 2010 and then by a hurricane in 2016. These events have devastated the area, leaving many Haitians struggling to make a living. Haiti is a country filled with talented, artistic people, so Macy’s decided to help by carrying a product line made by local artisans. Macy’s Heart of Haiti products are created by talented artists who create the unique handcrafted gifts to be shared with the world. Heart of Haiti also offers a chance of local artists to collaborate with US designers.
These gifts are not only unique and beautiful, they provide sustainable income for those in need. Macy’s Heart of Haiti is not a charity. With, Macy’s Heart of Haiti people are employed, so they are able to make a living doing what they love. Artisan’s keep 22% of the purchase price of every item sold.
It is estimated that Haiti has approximately 400,000 artisans (out of a 10M population) who rely solely on their handcrafted goods as a source of income. No other sector of employment comes close to those numbers. Macy’s Heart of Haiti employs 550 artisans while benefiting an extended 4,500 family members.
Gifts available include handcrafted serving spoons, baskets, metal leaf trays, bowls, vases, table linens, pillows, ornaments, and more. I received a beautiful metal snowflake ornament. I was very impressed with the quality and attention to detail. And because each item is a handcrafted, variations in size and color will occur which makes each item even more unique and special.
See the video below to learn more about the artists and the Heart of Haiti.
Every time you buy something from the Macy’s Heart of Haiti line, you make a difference by giving back to the artist that created it.
Heart of Haiti is not the only such program that Macy’s has been involved in. Heart of Haiti is part of the Rwanda Path to Peace program. The program focuses on poverty reduction through job creation, improved incomes, and access to global markets and job skills. Women can then help lift not only their families, but also entire communities out of poverty. The program includes Heart of Haiti and 100 Good Deeds. Mary Fisher, an artist, author, and advocate spent a decade partnering with vulnerable women in Africa designing the 100 Good Deeds bracelet. All proceeds from the 100 Good Deeds sales are reinvested into the The Abataka Foundation, which provides economic and educational opportunities to women and girls across Africa and beyond.
Check out the Macy’s Gifts that Give Hope site for more information and to make your purchase.
Disclosure: I received the beautiful Macy’s Heart of Haiti snowflake ornament in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.
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