Bamboula, an importer and wholesaler of unique, handcrafted gifts from six African countries will have a booth at Christkindlmarkt holiday fair in Bethlehem on weekends from November 18 through December 18. (ChristmasCity.org/christkindlmarkt). They will also have their retail store in their Kutztown warehouse open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays through December 17 for special events and the holiday season.

As a Fair-Trade company, Bamboula’s business model creates work and income for native artisans by selling their handcrafted products to retailers throughout the United States. Shoppers will find sisal totes from Kenya, colorful straw market baskets from Ghana, raffia bowl baskets from Uganda, telephone wire baskets from South Africa, tabletop accessories, jewelry, clay pots, ceramic mugs, drums, nativity sets, Christmas ornaments and much more. “We are also committed to implementing the principles of fair trade in all of our transactions with artisans,” says CEO Jasperdean Kobes.

“The purchase of our contemporary handcrafted products contributes directly to the economic and social well-being of the artisans we work with and their families. Most artisans use the money they earn from us for basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, education and medical services. For many artisans, our purchases from them are their only source of cash income. Many Africans, especially those living in rural areas, live on only a few dollars a day,” says Kobes. Since 1989, Bamboula has partnered with African artisans to design new products for the U.S. market while assisting them to build sustainable businesses in their local communities.

For more information, call 610-894-4800 or visit BamboulaLtd.com. See ad page 11.