By Kathy L. Collins
Shannon Riesenfeld was looking for a way to make a difference in the world. She found it when she became an Ambassador for Noonday Collection. Noonday Collection sells unique, handmade jewelry, bags, scarves, sandals, hats and more made by artisans living in countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, Guatemala and Haiti.
Noonday Collection’s mission is to create economic opportunities for those living in poverty. Riesenfeld explained, “We sell handmade accessories such as tagua seed necklaces from Ecuador, paper bead bracelets from Uganda and earrings made from upcycled artillery in Ethiopia.” Riesenfeld added, “We are not a charity, so instead of giving money (which always seems to run out), our hope is to provide sustainable jobs so artisans can provide for their families. Many artisans go from making $1 a day to $25 a day and can now afford basic necessities such as clean water, healthcare and education.”
Noonday chooses artisans based on a variety of factors. According to Riesenfeld, “For our African Style group in Uganda, they are chosen based on need. New jobs will go to widows, orphans or homeless.”
Riesenfeld’s ability to make a difference in the world is now twofold. She helps people who need jobs by selling their unique handmade goods, and she plans to use the proceeds from her sales to travel to Haiti in August and volunteer at a creche (orphanage). “We will be going to Chances For Children. While there we will be assisting with construction projects such as building new beds and cribs, constructing a new outdoor restroom facility and playing with the children.”
If you have a passion to make a difference in someone’s life, you can help by hosting a trunk show and introducing friends to Noonday Collection. You can also help families who are in the process of adoption because Noonday will donate 10% of the trunk show sales towards a family’s adoption.
You can purchase items from the Noonday Collection by simply visiting http://shannonriesenfeld.noondaycollection.com or follow her at www.facebook.com/NoondaySR. If you have questions or are interested in hosting a trunk show or raising funds for an adoption, please contact Riesenfeld at shan non.riesenfeld@gmail.com or call 661-8586.
