Summary

Your organization can benefit while simultaneously providing a way for widows of the Rwandan genocide to work themselves out of poverty. Intricate designs crafted from banana leaves by skilled artisans are offered through our organization.

Impact in Rwanda

The purchase of the banana leaf cards helps provide employment for widows in Kabuye, Rwanda. The sustainable income from the sale of their cards helps make individual and collective changes. Individuals are able to pay for school fees for their children, afford medicine, or improve their housing structures. Collectively, the group of women become able to welcome new artisans, thus improving the economy of this rural area of Rwanda.

Benefits of Rwandan Card Fundraiser

· Significant fundraising potential for school
· Students and parents learn about Rwanda and economic development

 

History

One of the American women involved in this organization lived in Rwanda for two years teaching at an English-speaking school. While in Rwanda, she became friends with artisans she commissioned to make her wedding reception invitations. Her family and friends were amazed at the intricacy and beauty of these cards and requested more.

 

Card Details

Cards are sold in packets of five with an assortment of African scenes. We offer two types of Rwandan banana leaf note cards:

• Traditional Rwandan Scenes (see our Traditional Cards page)
• Rwandan Christmas Scenes (see our Christmas Cards page)

The women spend as much as several hours working on a single card. The detail is astounding considering that each line, swirl, or bend is created with dried banana leaves and a razor blade. The banana leaves are dyed and dried to achieve different colors and glue is created using cassava roots. It is amazing to see the women intently working to create these beautiful masterpieces with the most basic materials. The environment is peaceful and welcoming. At some point in the future, a video clip of the women making the cards will be included on this site.

 

Process: Two Options For Conducting Your Fundraiser

Option 1:
An Advanced Buy of card packets may be purchased at a reduced cost (see profit comparison chart in Pricing paragraph below). Cards are purchased in bulk up front and sent directly to your organization. Information for display or distribution to enhance sales is included upon request.

Option 2:

Students are provided with all the necessary marketing information. Cards are delivered to the school and grouped and labeled appropriately.

Pricing

The goal of pricing is to ensure that your school/organization benefits as much as possible, while still paying the women a competitive and fair price for these cards. Selling prices are determined by your organization. Please contact us for more information.

Profit Range

Packs are sold to your organization for $8/pack.
Buy cards in advance at $7/pack.
Please note that the Advanced Buy option significantly increases profit.
Suggested retail is $12/pack

Packets Sold	Profit	Advanced Buy Profit
50	$200	$250
100	$400	$500
200	$800	$1,000
500	$2,000	$2,500
1,000	$4,000	$5,000
5,000	$20,000	$25,000

 

Purchasing

Please e-mail your orders to:

fairtradefundraising@gmail.com

Please include:

1. Your name and organization
2. Number of cards you'd like to order (please specify Christmas or Traditional)
3. Mailing Address
4. Telephone number

An invoice will be sent with your order.