In 2017 the Bazaar actively contributed to these excellent organizations:
Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders
All cider and pumpkin revenue will go to MSF, and will be matched by the Bazaar.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is the world’s leading independent medical relief organization. Their mandate is primarily focused on emergency relief and they often operate in areas where there is no medical infrastructure. For over 35 years they have been providing medical help to people caught in armed conflicts, floods, earthquakes, disease epidemics and famines. MSF has maintained their international reputation as one of the most respected, honest and well run aid organization.
We welcome any contribution you can make to the efforts of MSF. The owners of Third World Bazaar will match any contribution that patrons make. We challenge our customers to contribute as much as they feel comfortable donating.
Over the last 15 years the Third World Bazaar, and our customers have been able to contribute between $4,500 and $9,000 a year. In 2017 we raised a total of $7,359.48, hopefully in 2018 we can cross $10,000! Please give generously to this worthy organization.
Shepherds of Good Hope
All non-perishable food brought to the Bazaar will be delivered to the Shepherds. Please bring what you can.
Since 1983 the Shepherds of Good Hope have been providing food, lodging, emotional and spiritual support to anyone that comes to them. They provide an invaluable service to the poor and troubled of Ottawa, and by helping deal with these problems are providing a service for all of us in the area. We thank them for their invaluable work.
Each weekend the Third World Bazaar will be collects food and consumables for the Shepherds. We ask that our customers consider bringing non-perishable donations to the Bazaar, which we will deliver that week. Each year our collection rate has increased, in 2008 it was about 8 shopping carts worth, in 2017 we collected 28 shopping carts of food over our sale period.
The Shepherds of Good Hope and their clients and the Third World Bazaar thank you very much.
Habitat for Humanity – Chris Tessier and Jill Woodley
Remember, the coffee at the entrance is paying for the construction of homes. Contribute what you can!
Over the last ten years our family has had the privilege to travel to Central and South America as part of a team building homes with Habitat for Humanity. We have traveled to remote areas in Guatemala, Nicaragua and built in the poverty stricken inner cities of El Salvador and Paraguay. In 2017, Third World Bazaar customers donated $1,560 for our Paraguay build. Since 2010, a total of $11,300 has been raised through the wonderful generosity of the Bazaar coffee drinking customers; helping us build 23 homes and house 120 people in four countries.
On February 13th we set off on our 10th Habitat for Humanity Global Village build. It was our first trip to South America. Our objective was to build three homes for families that were hoping to realize the dream of living in safe and stable houses.
This year we built in urban Asuncion, Paraguay. A bustling city full of history and character. The children watched shyly, and the families took very good care of us, preparing homemade lunches and making sure we stayed hydrated and healthy. The heat was by far the most challenging factor (even more than the ever-present scorpions), but, as the days progressed we learned to manage our energy, and trade off with our team, so no one succumbed to heat stroke.
The build started with a downpour forcing us to leave the site for safety reasons. We returned the next day in the grueling heat determined to make up the lost time.
The heat hit highs of 37 degrees Celsius as we dug six foot septic pits, prepared the foundations and began the assembling of rebar. Working closely with local masons, and side by side with each family our team of 18 met our deadline.
These builds never fail to humble us; it accentuates the abundant lifestyle and support structures we have in Canada. We are so thankful for those who supported our coffee fundraising efforts, it has made a corner of the world a little better and a lot healthier. Three families now have a warm new home. A home with a key. A home with stable walls. A home to raise their children.
Thank you so much for your generosity and your encouragement, we are very grateful!
See you in October!
Chris and Jill
Cornerstone Housing for Women
Cornerstone is a community organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless women. They provide emergency shelter and supportive housing for women in Ottawa. These services are offered in an environment which promotes dignity and a sense of hope. Cornerstone is committed to public education and advocacy, always striving to increase safe, affordable housing while working to end homelessness. The Third World Bazaar was a Silver sponsor at Cornerstones Fundraising Gala, Saturday Oct 24 th , 2015.
