Thursday, December 20, 2012

Awareness ~ and a giveaway!

I never knew human trafficking was still a thing until the last couple years.  When I think of slaves, I think of a time long ago...not now.  The first time I heard about the modern day slave industry was at a concert.  From there I did some Googling and reading online.  I can't believe there are still people out there that feel they can control another human's life.  The other day I was reading Jen Hatmaker's blog on the issue and she talked about this organization that helps slaves leave that life. 

Freeset is in business for freedom.  

They're a fair trade business offering employment opportunities to women living in India trapped in the sex trade.  Freeset opened its doors in 2001 with 20 women longing for their freedom.  Now, in 2012, Freeset employs over 180 women who make close to 1000 quality bags a day--among other things.

One of the bags they make is the Hope Bag.  




It's a jute bag with cotton lining and a braided Sari handle with a Sari band around the top.  It is a great bag!  The perfect size for a purse, diaper bag, shopping bag...not too small, not too big.  It's a unique piece that will hopefully spark some conversation about the wonderful women who made it. 



I don't think this issue gets the air time it needs.  The only way to spread awareness is to talk about it, blog about it...support businesses that already have their foot in the door helping these people.  Something needs to be done--one person at a time. 

Today I'm giving away a Hope Bag to one lucky reader!



To enter, leave a comment and tell me what other bag, besides their Hope Bag, you like.  
For a second entry post about this--and link it--on Facebook and let me know in a separate comment. 

I will randomly draw the winner at noon on Christmas Eve (when the giveaway ends) and will notify you via e-mail or Facebook :)

For Freedom!



14 comments:

Rachael said...

Emily, thank you so much for writing about this! I have read about human trafficking, but I have never heard of Freeset. I know where I'm going to spend my birthday money now! (P.S. I love the Chorus bag, though it's hard to pick a favorite.)

Michelle said...

What a great bag! I also like the Harmony bag!

The Cohen's said...

This is so sad! This is a charity I'd like to add to our list of giving I think.

I love the chorus bag as well, and the harmony bag too. Although, I think all their bags are awesome!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for bringing this out into the open...that is what it takes to spread the news. I first became aware of this kind of heartbreak through Louie Giglio and Passion Conferences. Thanks for helping this group. Oh and i liked the amity bag too.

GinH said...

Box Bag! :)

I used to be involved with an organization called Christian Solidarity International and they raised money to buy and free slaves in Sudan. There was some controversy to them and I ended up getting involved with HopeChest instead. LOVE them, you should check them out. Started by Tom Davis and he is an incredible author. His two fiction books are nothing short of amazing. xoxo

GinH said...

I'm a dummy and can't figure out how to link my share, but I shared it :) on Fb!

Sarah R. said...

Great info!!! Thanks for sharing Emily. I really like the Satellite bag and the sunglass bag.

Sarah R. said...

I also shared your FB link to the blog post on my FB page.

Niki said...

Wow - what an amazing cause and great organization! I like the wine bag...hehe :)

sarah davies said...

love this bag! and the meaning behind it :)

2Bugaboos said...

Thank you for bringing this to my attention... so sad.

Amanda said...

I first heard about human trafficking from Natalie Grant several years ago. It makes me sick to think this is practiced throughout the world and even here in the US. I love that you shared this and are making more people aware of this horrendous practice.

I love a lot of the bags, but love the Harmony ones :)

Lisa said...

I really like the Harmony bag. The Hope bag is really nice as well. Thanks for posting this and raising awareness.

Amanda said...

I linked and shared on my FB timeline :)