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This month's fair features gourmet food and wines; home accessories; jewellery;
ladies and children's wear; toys; handbags; bedding. Don't miss the opportunity to
pick up something from the Yonjai spa range - this month's focus on vendor AMBience at
home will be there.
For the first time ever, this popular fair is being held on a Saturday. Over both days of
the fair Santa and his photographer will be there - so bring the kids for this year's Christmas
photo. Then while you do your shopping, the kids can join in the fun in the ceramic painting
corner (fees apply).
Reviving the spirit of the traditional market, a number of our vendors are gathering
at this popular Dempsey location offering organic, eco-friendly, free trade wares. There's a
storytelling by Shamini Mahadevan Flint on Sunday at 1pm. Two free ginger cookie & x-mas
cards decoration sessions at 10am & 3pm and an Aromatherapy workshop at 2 & 4 pm. Plus a
chance to win 10 weeks free membership at Ni Tien Martial Arts.
The last of the Christmas Fancy Faires at the Orchard Hotel featuring unique gifts
and Christmas items not found elsewhere. There'll be a Yuletide coffee shop to rest those
shopped-out feet.
Shop within the air-conditioned comfort of The Arts House on the riverfront. Come on
Sunday evening to get a rare chance to view the Chamber Room in what used to be the national
parliament. Food options range from gourmet hot dogs, pastries and cakes to restaurants within
The Arts House offering special Singapore River Market menus.
Focus on... AMBience at home
Lavender Cleansing Face Pack - $35
Seven years ago a women’s co-operative was established in a poor inner-city
community in Bangkok, Thailand. The aim of this co-operative is to provide a fair
wage and give job security and financial control to the women involved.
To participate in the world wide market-place they need information and ideas.
To profit from their participation they need to be in control of their work
environment.
SingaporeFairs recently spoke with Anthea Brooks of AMBience at home to learn more about
this venture and their products.
What is the story behind the co-operative and where does AMBience at home fit in?
Anthea: The Women’s Co-op was instigated in Bangkok by a young couple from New
Zealand, Kerry and Dave. Initially the couple arrived in the poor community in Bangkok
as missionaries to work with the children. One day they decided to raise some money to
take the children for a trip outside their community. To raise the money, they taught
the children how to make paper and sold it at local fairs and craft markets. The children
raised enough money and went on a holiday to New Zealand! On their return,their mothers
could see the potential for themselves to earn money, and asked if the foreigners could
teach them how to make the paper. If you give these women the hint of an opportunity to
improve their lives, they will grab it with both hands!
To profit from their participation they need to be in control of their work environment.
So while much of the marketing and product development is done through expat partners, all
aspects of management and production are handled by the women themselves. This gives them
control over their time and predictability in their income.
I was introduced to Kerry by a mutual friend, and learnt of the project whilst living
in Bangkok about 3 years ago. I wanted to help in some way, so offered to market the products
when I relocated to Singapore. I try to visit the project room every time I go to Bangkok.
It’s wonderful to see new faces, and they are just as excited when they meet me. It still puts
a lump in my throat every time I tell the story.
Tell us about the products - is it more than just paper these days?
Anthea: The co-op hand-makes high quality spa and paper products for the local and
international market, including the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other parts of
Asia. The collection includes four aromatic blends for soap, body lotion, salt scrub, and
massage oil, all created with essential oils. There is also a lavender deep-cleansing facial
kit with a scrub, clay mask and cleanser. All the beautiful packaging is also made by the
women. You can create a complete spa ambience at home, with the range of selected essential
oils, oil burners, incense, scented candles, and a room/linen spray.
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