Ayindisa's Dress for Success: Clothing Drive

Hi!


Ayindisa is hosting a clothing drive from Saturday, June 6th to Friday, June 12th. It is being conducted during normal store hours from 10am to 6pm.

Our goal is to bring lightly worn clothing on our upcoming trip to help our artisans. Generally, we try to give our artisans clothing on each trip, and this year they requested it from us again. As we all know, clothing is expensive, and such practical donations can go a long way.

So with that said, we would like to extend an open invitation to anyone of interest. You can bring clothing to the store from Saturday, June 6th - Friday, June 12th.

All lightly worn clothing is welcome. Both adult and child-sized clothing are needed.

Items that are in high need are: shirts, tee shirts, shorts, pants, light jackets, sneakers and hats.

Please note we can not accept undergarments, socks or heavy winter apparel.

If you are able to help then it is more than appreciated. However, during these tough economic times, we understand this is not something that everyone can do, and so we thank you either way for taking the time to read this email.

Thank you and Ibatia Ochina (we hope to see you soon)!

Sincerely,
The Ayindisa Team

P.S. Feel free to send this email on to anyone you think might be interested.


Ayindisa
18 Prospect St. Ridgefield, CT 06877
Saturday, June 6th - Friday,
June 12th.10:00AM-6:00PM
P: 203.894.1115
W: www.ayindisa.com

Ayindisa Update: Spring 2009

Hello Everyone,

It has been too long since we have posted and while I apologize I also want to reassure you Ayindisa is stronger and better then ever! Since our first brick and mortar location opened up in December, 2008 we have formed new relationships with artisans and business' alike. I will be posting soon to let you all know about Ayinidsa's next trip to Ghana in the coming weeks for inventory purposes and to finalize new contracts with current and new artisans. Thanks to customers and supporters such as you reading this, every day we are able to help meet out mission statement's goals more and more.

Currently Ainidsa founder and president Chris Gay is in Ethiopia working with Ascend Alliance and meeting new artisans on Africa's eastern cost. He wrote the below message for you. Enjoy.

-Kyle Gay, marketing and sales

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Written March 10th, 2009:

Hello,

2008 ended on a wonderful high note with Ayindisa opening its first ever boutique in Ridgefield, CT where all our artisan goods are now available for purchase. People from diverse backgrounds gathered together just after the new year to celebrate the grand opening with African food, music and dancing. Continuing the philosophy stated on our website, the Ayindisa boutique puts socially responsible ethics and principles into action. Though this winter has been very cold and these current times are challenging for everyone, we are hopeful, happy and thankful for all the local support we have been receiving from our neighbors and friends. We were pleased to see the peaceful election in Ghana last December. The artisans are excited and many wish they could be here in the USA to see the new store. However, great things are also happening for our artisan families and groups in Ghana.

We are very happy to announce that on March 1st, 2009 a brand new basket weaving shelter, retail shop and soon to be guest house broke ground and is currently under construction in Bolgatanga, Ghana using traditional materials and designs. This important project will provide a place for our basket weaver co-op – Asuntaba – to work and thus keep their traditions alive by producing high-quality goods locally. We also see this project as contributing to economic development in this poor area. The shelter is made possible by a micro credit loan from Ayindisa as well as by a generous contribution from the Komart Foundation, (a non-governmental organization in Ghana). Together we are united in building and overseeing this project in a responsible way.

Many challenges lay ahead but we look forward to expanding our mission, specifically into South America, India and Nepal and creating new partnerships with organizations and artisans. We would like to thank our customers, friends and affiliates for continued support! Madasi!

Chris Gay
Founder and Prsident, Ayindisa, llc
18 prospect st.
Ridgefield, CT 06877
T: 203 894 1115
e: Chris@ayindisa.com
w: http://www.ayindisa.com/
b: ayindisallc.blogspot.com