Festival of Hope

Chapel Hill’s beloved fair trade marketplace helps the community find great gifts that make a difference. Stocking-stuffers, unique accessories, children’s items, global home and Christmas décor…there is something for everyone! It is a joy to host this event. All the festive shopping will be in person the first weekend in December. Beautiful global handicrafts make meaningful gifts, bring dignified work, and fight human trafficking and poverty.

If you’d like to help in any way, sign up here.

MARKETPLACE, Sunday, December 3, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm in the Gathering Place

Festival of Hope is also about telling the stories of craftspeople and farmers around the globe who deserve to earn enough to feed their families. And about the survivors of trauma, even in our own country, who bear the image of God and are healing through dignified work. Many of the items for sale are even signed by their maker, which makes a really meaningful gift.

Our spending makes just as much of an impact for justice as our giving. How we shop matters. This is especially true on some of the food items we consume most, like coffee and chocolate, with competitive markets that can exploit laborers. So you can definitely pick up those treats at Festival of Hope, but make fair trade or direct trade a grocery habit, too!

We have also sourced merchandise directly from Haiti and Thailand where our global outreach partners serve. A significant way to make a difference in their lives is to contribute to their healthy economy. Papillon in Haiti came about for the purpose of helping mothers to raise their own children. Thai Village not only trains and employs people, but they have an active worshipping community.

We encourage intentional shopping year-round. Scroll down for a few of our favorite vendors from over the years. They have unique selections for when you need a birthday or hospitality gift. And telling their stories will give you more excuses to display God’s love and promise to redeem the world.

Spread the word to friends and neighbors! This is a wonderful opportunity to put our faith into action to make a difference and bless our loved ones!

Papillon Marketplace – variety from Haiti

2nd Story Goods – variety from Haiti

Starfish Project – elegant jewelry

Purpose Boutique Tacoma – women’s fashion, local

Abrazo Style – Mexican clothing and accessories

Noonday Collection/Sseko Designs – jewelry, leather, apparel, footwear

Alaffia – body care, made in Washington

Thistle Farms – body care in Tennessee

Aruna Project – athleisure brand

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