This time of the year, we all need to be thankful for what we have in our lives: family, health, food, clothing, shelter. But there are some people that don’t have even the neccessities because of many reasons including natural disaster. Haiti is one of those places. But here’s the great thing, we can help through “Trade, Not Aid.”The Heart of Haiti is helping to accomplish just that. In other words, Heart of Haiti is using commerce andculture to create social change. Instead of providing one-time funding through charity, Heart of Haiti is creating opportunities for Haitian artisans to earn income with dignity by creating jobs and income for the people of Haiti.
Through the sale of Heart of Haiti products, artisans are able to earn life-changing income for themselves, their families, and their communities. The initiative is enabling artisans to repair homes, pay school fees, and feed and clothe their families. The income also allows 
them to have access to better nutrition, improved education and healthcare.
The Heart of Haiti collection is an array of handmade products for the home — quilts, metalwork, ceramics, and paintings — created by Haitian artisans. Each item is designed by a Haitian master artisan and produced by hand in Haiti from recycled materials.
The collection is truly helping the people of Haiti rebuild their lives and communities through commerce and culture. The Heart of Haiti collection has already led to employment of 350 artists in Haiti and has provided some financial benefits for an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people in the country. Each item is designed by a master Haitian artist and made by hand in Haiti and is made from recycled materials. The collection includes 40 different home decor items and accessories and includes vases, candleholders, serving trays, picture frames, mirrors, coasters, necklaces, clutch purses and more.
Want to know how you can help? Check out the Heart of Haiti Collection and help through “Trade, Not Aid”.
Disclosure: This article was written to spread the word about Heart of Haiti through a Mom Bloggers Club member program and there is a chance that I will receive a Heart of Haiti pendant as a thank you.
