Make a purchase, help the world
Wooden masks and tapestries hang from the walls of a rather small store called One World Goods in Pittsford Plaza. The small size of this store, though, is not representative of its huge mission to help the world.
One World Goods strives to enhance the social and economic conditions of various artisans around the world. They create a marketplace for developing countries to sell their goods and also lend a hand in increasing awareness for issues such as global poverty and economic injustice.
One World Goods has been operating out of their Monroe Avenue location since 1997.
Raquel Marchenese, the store manager, began volunteering in 1995, and since then has become more and more involved.
“I like this job because it’s meaningful,” said Marchenese. “The money isn’t important. The workers are here because they want to be. We all have the same goals.”
With more than 35 different countries products, One World Goods has an assortment of goods that you will not find anywhere else in Rochester.
“This is the only fair-trade store in Rochester,” said Marchenese.
One World Goods receives merchandise through numerous Fair Trade Organizations (FTO’s) around the world. FTO’s began as faith-based projects or humanitarian efforts that worked to gain substantial incomes for disadvantaged artisans. Today, most Fair Trade Organizations are working to help developing countries in need of financial support.
“Our mission is to help out developing countries,” said Marchenese. “We have a variety of products from all over the world.”
As a non-profit organization, employees are usually volunteers.
“This is my third year here,” said Rosemary Eichenlaub. “I loved the mission of the store, I believe in the mission.”
Some volunteers were so enthralled with the idea when first shopping at the store, they signed up right away.
“I believed in the mission so much, that I signed up for volunteering right then and there,” said Maureen Basil. “It’s a wonderful place to meet worldly, intelligent people.”
Much of One World Goods advertising is through word-of-mouth. They don’t spend large amounts of money getting their name out there. They rely on those who volunteer and their faithful customers to spread the word.
“Most of the people that walk in here have heard about it through others,” said Eichenlaub. “[When you buy something] You are giving the gift to the people who made these products.”
Upon purchasing a product from the store, you receive information and the story about where the product came from. A small piece of paper describes where your money is going, and what you are supporting by purchasing the item.
For more information visit www.owgoods.org.
