After Ten Thousand Villages Canada had to shut their doors in early 2020, Village Goods was faced with the decision whether or not to follow suit and close our doors as well. As a Board run store (meaning we have a volunteer board of directors who run and are responsible for the store) we decided to continue running for as long as possible and to honour the artisans who we've worked alongside for so long.

So, we re-branded from Ten Thousand Villages Edmonton to Village Goods - still working for the same values and with a lot of the same artisan groups (though we've made new connections in years following)!

We're lucky to call Whyte Ave home and we plan to be here for as long as possible, bringing Fair Trade and ethical products to Edmonton! 

Village Goods is a volunteer supported not-for-profit social enterprise. We have been in Edmonton since 1986, first as a part of Ten Thousand Villages Canada, now independent. We are owned and operated by the Edmonton Ten Thousand Villages Society, and we are proud to be a verified member of the Fair Trade Federation. 

As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Village Goods is dedicated to sourcing products that have been handmade by people who have been properly compensated for their labour and skill, from start to finish. The Fair Trade Federation explains that Fair Trade is “an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system," and this is what Village Goods stands for! 

Want to know more about the impact your purchases have? According to the World Fair Trade Organization, “Fair Trade Enterprises across the world are producing and trading, campaigning and educating for a better world. Their direct impact includes 965,700 livelihoods supported through the operations and supply chains of these enterprises. 74% of these workers, farmers and artisans are women and women make up the majority of the leadership. They pioneer upcycling and social enterprise, refugee livelihoods and women's leadership. These enterprises show a better world is possible.” 

You can watch a video here that explains Fair Trade and the impact your purchasing powder can have!

We aim: 

• To seek to bring justice, hope and peace to the poor though trade with artisan and producer groups who pay fair wages and demonstrate concern for their members’ welfare
• To seek to increase local market share for fairly trade products
• To market products that reflect and reinforce rich cultural traditions, that are environmentally sensitive, and which appeal to local consumers
• To encourage our customer to learn about fair trade and to appreciate artisans’ cultural heritage

Want to get involved? Volunteer with us! Volunteers are a crucial part of our store - providing customer service and educating the public about Fair Trade when applicable, and helping with the day to day tasks! Read the full volunteer description and apply online here. 

Applications for volunteering can also be requested in-store! 

Sourcing Requirements

As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Village Goods when purchasing stock must follow the following guidelines: 

"All products that are reasonably available from sources aligned with the Fair Trade Federation principles must be purchased from those sources.

Members and applicants must source at least 75% of inventory, measured as a percentage of total annual wholesale purchases, in accordance with the Fair Trade Federation principles, including any combination of the following sources:

• products purchased from members of the Fair Trade Federation or World Fair Trade Organization; and
• products purchased from non-member organizations (including certified fair trade products), as long as members and applicants are able to demonstrate in detail how they verify items are sourced in accordance with the Fair Trade Federation principles.

The remaining 25% of inventory can include any combination of the following products. Members and applicants must be able to demonstrate how they verify items do not harm people, the environment, or cultures.

• environmentally friendly products;
• products made by local individuals;
• products made by socially or economically marginalized producers in the Global North;
• books, music, and educational material if the topic relates to at least one of the Fair Trade Federation Principles;
• products and accessories not reasonably available[3] from sources aligned with the Fair Trade Federation principles if they are in support of and compatible with the sale of fair trade products.

Members and applicants submit supplier lists documenting how their inventory meets the sourcing requirements to the Fair Trade Federation as part of screening, rescreening, and membership renewal processes, indicating FTF or WFTO membership where applicable, and providing contact information for at least one representative of each supplier/producer group not within the member or applicant’s own organization. Members must submit a supplier list every year as a part of the ongoing verification renewal process, even if no changes have been made from the previous year. Members and applicants are expected to be able to explain why they have chosen to source and sell products." 

Once a year, Village Goods is required to refile for membership to the Fair Trade Federation (it isn't a one and done type of organization!) and during our application we provide details on all of our products in store, including where they're made, what certifications they hold, and how they adhere to the FTF Codes of Practice and Principels of Fair Trade. Want to know more? You can read more of the FTF website here.