Weavers Helping Weavers (Everyone is welcome to help!)

Weavers Helping Weavers…

is an appeal to raise money to train weavers in Laos, which is designated a "least developed country" by the United Nations. For as little as $10, you can make a difference in the life of a rural woman who has had little access to education or opportunities.

Who will do the training?

Since 1998, the Houey Hong Vocational Training Centre for Women has provided training and employment for Lao women from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is located on the outskirts of Vientiane, the capital of Laos. The Centre was founded by a Lao woman, with financial help from Japanese organizations that assist women and children. 

How will my donation help?

For just $10, you can sponsor a full day of training to help a woman develop skills vital to her to sustain herself, her family and her community. Your donation will also help sustain Lao traditional arts of dyeing and weaving silk.

You could join with others in your weaver/fibre guild (or any other group you belong to) and sponsor a woman for an entire 3-month residential training course in natural dyeing, traditional Lao weaving and small business administration at a cost of $850 USD.

How could I send money to Laos?

You won't need to send money directly, because the Atlantic Spinners and Handweavers (ASH), a spinning and weaving guild in Nova Scotia, Canada has agreed to receive donations. At the end of the fundraising campaign, they will transfer the total donations, less banking, transfer fees and cost of processing receipts, to the Houey Hong Centre. If you need a receipt, you can request one from ASH; it will be sent to you by email, or, in the event of email not being an option for you, a receipt can be sent by mail. Please note that your donation is NOT tax-deductible.

How do I contribute? 

Make your donation, in any amount, by cheque or money order in Canadian or US funds. Make them payable to "ASH" and add "Weavers Helping Weavers" on the Memo line. Mail to:

Atlantic Spinners and Handweavers
c/o N.S. Museum of Natural History
1747 Summer Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3A6
CANADA

Be sure to mention if you want a receipt by mail or email, and include your mailing or email address.

Who's behind this?

This appeal was initiated by TAMMACHAT Natural Textiles, a Canadian social enterprise that helps women artisans in rural Thailand and Laos celebrate and sustain their weaving traditions, families and communities through fair trade. Weavers Helping Weavers was launched with a $400 donation from TAMMACHAT’s co-founder Ellen Agger, who won a bicycle in a local raffle and then sold it to establish this fund.

How can I learn more?

Visit Houey Hong's website at www.houeyhongcentre.com. Vist theSupport the Centre page for more info.
Visit ASH’s website at www.parl.ns.ca/ash.

Is there another way I could help?

Yes. Help us spread the word by forwarding this email to friends, weavers and other fibre artists. Below is a shorter version of this information for your group's newsletter:

Weavers Helping Weavers… 
is an appeal to raise money to train weavers in Laos, which is designated a "least developed country" by the United Nations. For as little as $10, you can make a difference in the life of a rural woman who has had little access to education or opportunities. Join with others in your weaver/fibre guild (or any other group you belong to) and sponsor a woman for an entire 3-month residential training course in natural dyeing, traditional Lao weaving and small business administration at a cost of $850 USD. Training will take place at the Houey Hong Vocational Training Centre for Women in Laos. For more information, visit: www.tammachat.com/weavers_helping_weavers.html.

Thanks for your attention and support,
Ellen Agger
Co-founder TAMMACHAT Natural Textiles