Ten Thousand Villages of Cary

Ten Thousand Villages of Cary is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, fair trade retailer serving the Raleigh/Cary area for 25 years.  It's our mission to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term, fair trading relationships.  

Since 1995 Ten Thousand Villages (formerly of Raleigh) has planted its roots in the community fostering change locally and globally.  Throughout the years our extraordinary team has worked vigorously to make the store an influential part of peoples' lives.  It's important that we keep this tradition going and continue to accomplish the good work we have started.

We work with 30 developing countries and 20,000 artisans who work hard every day to support their families and communities.  Fair trade provides a trading relationship based on fair wages, safe working conditions, no child labor and long term relationships.  By selling their hand crafted products and telling the artisan stories, we can help change lives through market based solutions to end abject poverty.

Unfortunately, the Covid 19 crisis has taken it's toll on us.  With store being closed since March 23, 2020 and no off site festival sales, our revenue has dropped over 90% in the last 6 weeks.  It began with the cancellation of the International Festival on March 6 and has gotten more critical as time passes.  We are doing call in sales, deliveries, no contact curbside pick up and online efforts, but it's a drop in the bucket compared to being open.

Any and all donations help from $5.00 to $500.00.  Help us continue our 25 year old mission; help us continue to serve you; help us maintain our place in the community.