– by Doreen Marion Gee –
A progressive retail business in Sidney infuses a social conscience into everything it does. Laloca’s mission is to improve people’s lives around the globe and bring out the potential of disenfranchised citizens – all through the kinds of products it sells.
Christine Downing, Laloca owner, has a warm kind presence. Her social justice background drew her to initiatives that raise people’s quality of life. On a visit to Bolivia, she was impressed with a work cooperative where low-income families create high-quality alpaca knitwear and original crafts by hand. The income generated goes towards improved nutrition, healthcare and educational opportunities for their children. She “fell in love with their work” and decided to support them by purchasing many items. In 2014, Christine opened a shop in Sidney to sell unique handicrafts from different groups around the globe and to support them in their specific humanitarian work. She adds that her products are “mainly made by women.” Christine also supports local artisans by bringing in and selling their work.
In her business, Christine is fuelled by strong social values. She only sells products from groups and companies overseas that abide by standard “Fair Trade Principles:” creating work opportunities for workers; paying them promptly and fairly; providing safe working conditions free of discrimination; and zero exploitation of children (to name a few). Modern consumers don’t want those pretty new earrings keeping them awake at night.
What is the best way to truly “help” people less fortunate? Christine: “I have met so many talented folks going through challenges like mental illness and addictions – but threading through that as well was so much talent that was untapped. There will always be people that are in need and will always need support. But you have to create an environment for people to grow away from that if they are able to.” Keen to encourage the creative talents of people who are marginalized, Christine sells pottery made by a group of artisans in Vancouver whose challenges present barriers in the workplace. The words “a taste of dignity” are splashed across the group’s Facebook page, since they are now using their own skills to determine and control their futures.
Laloca’s support of many people around the world empowers them to live better lives; when people buy Christine’s products, they are part of this humanitarian process. Christine also supports artisans who are being environmentally responsible through recycling and using materials that are safe for planet Earth. Every item in Laloca is handmade with intricate workmanship – these treasures are perfect for any holiday shopping list. With its social conscience, Laloca is redefining what constitutes “good business.”
For more information visit online at www.facebook.com/lalocafairtrade or at the store’s new location at 2367 Beacon Avenue in Sidney.
