Fundraising FAQ

What makes your products different from a traditional fundraising program of the past 25 years?

The products shown on this website are either organic, fair-trade or eco-friendly.   At times you may find products on our site that are organic and fair-trade or eco-friendly and fair-trade, etc.  We look for quality products that can priced around the same price of products you would find in the big box stores.

What does Fair-Trade mean?

"Fair Trade certification is a market-based model of international trade that benefits over one million farmers and farm workers in 58 developing countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Fair Trade certification enables consumers to vote for a better world with their dollars, simply by looking for the Fair Trade Certified label on the products they buy.

Fair Trade Certified agricultural products including coffee, tea and herbs, cocoa and chocolate, fresh fruit, sugar, rice, flowers, honey and spices (vanilla) are currently available at over 35,000 retail establishments in the U.S.

Fair Trade empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace. By guaranteeing minimum floor prices and social premiums, Fair Trade enables producers to invest in their farms and communities and protect the environment. But Fair Trade is much more than a fair price.

Fair Trade principles include:

• Fair prices: Democratically organized farmer groups receive a guaranteed minimum floor price and an additional premium for certified organic products. Farmer organizations are also eligible for pre-harvest credit.
• Fair labor conditions: Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
• Direct trade: Importers purchase from Fair Trade producer groups as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to strengthen their organizations and become competitive players in the global economy.
• Democratic and transparent organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to use their Fair Trade premiums.
• Community development: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects like health care, new schools, quality improvement trainings, and organic certification." 

Source: www.transfairusa.org

Are there catalogs to distribute?

Yes, we are happy to offer both paper catalogs and on-line shopping.  Our catalog ordering works as a traditional catalog fundraiser.  (Except we routinely reuse catalogs for more than one organization in an effort to conserve paper waste.)  We send you the catalogs and order forms.  After you compile the orders from your supporters, you simply send us a check or place your orders on-line via credit card.  After receiving your orders and payment, you should expect to receive your products within two to four weeks.

Your supporters can also choose to order from our on-line catalog where we will ship their order to them (shipping charges apply) or the school (shipped with other products from paper catalog fundraiser). 

What do the teachers have to do?

Our goal is to support education, not impede on the educational process.  We have compiled a list of resources available to teachers on our website.  See our Lesson Plans link.

How do we get parents to "go green"?

Baby steps.  Encourage them to eliminate 1-2 things from their homes that aren't eco-friendly.  If everyone gave up plastic bottles or plastic bags, if would make a huge impact on our environment.