Message from the founder, Jenny Venn:'The one thing I was warned about when I told friends I was travelling to India was about the horrific poverty and conditions in which literally millions live. It served to make me realize how truly privileged I am to live in Western Canada with a roof over my head.
Most of our time was spent in the small holy city of Pushkar in Rajasthan. The poverty there was no less than anywhere else but somehow we sensed a happier spirit. Let me tell you about one lady that left such a huge impression on me and still inspires me even today.
Khali Bai is fairly young and quite lovely. Every day that we went past her she was sitting on the hard street in the hot sun with her little metal can for money. Not once did she ever push that little tin toward us. Instead she would place her hands in prayer, give us a beaming smile and say “Namaste”. She has no feet because someone has cut them off at the ankles, which are tied up with pieces of tire and bits of string. Every night she crawls on her hands and knees about 30 yards to a wall that she calls “home”. She is tiny and frail but has the biggest spirit I have ever come across. It made me feel very humble to be in her presence since I simply cannot imagine living in her condition.
When we left we gave her a little food, clothing and money and even through the language barrier she managed to convey her gratitude. That was in 2006 and it is now 2011. I have since found out that she has a daughter somewhere that she most likely never sees. My ring supplier has his business just around the corner from where she sits and so now I am able to help her by sending some money for her each time I place an order. It is the very least I can do and I so wish that I could do more for her.
I want to thank all of you who are supporting my website and fair trade, because without you I would not be able to help this amazing woman.'
