On July 1, the former Ten Thousand Villages-Portland store will reopen in its new location — Mercy Corps‘ headquarters in Old Town, right next to Skidmore Fountain. The address is 18 SW First. We’ll reopen as Banyan Tree, a fair trade store.
The wild and fascinating banyan tree is symbolic in many of the cultures whose crafts we carry. It also was the historic location where Hindu merchants conducted trade. So we think it’s a terrific name for our new location.
While we’ll still be carrying products imported by Ten Thousand Villages, the oldest and largest fair trade organization, we will be carrying a wider variety of crafts than ever before. As fair trade mature, the variety and sources of fair trade products expand, giving consumers more choice while offering greater opportunity to more artisans around the world.
We’re particularly excited about our proximity to the Mercy Corps Action Center. This multi-media interpretive center — one of only two in the nation (and the other one’s in Manhattan!) gives Portland residents a rare opportunity to listen, see and learn about the lives of those struggling and succeeding around the world. You can learn about the tough spots — and access ways to make a difference.
The goals of Mercy Corps go hand-in-hand with fair trade. We are thrilled to be sharing a building, a volunteer ethic and a mission.
Come find us on July 1 in our new location, and stop by the Action Center while you’re there.
In the meantime, we’re holding a fundraiser — Bluegrass for Banyan Tree — on Saturday, July 26 at the Portland Mennonite Church, 1312 SE 35th Ave. A silent auction starts at 6:30, and Lee Highway — a terrific bluegrass band — performs at 7:30. Suggested donation is $15.
Tags: Action Center, Add new tag, Bluegrass, Mercy Corps
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