Ten Thousand Villages of Harrisonburg hosts a special Fair Trade Rug Event April 24-28, featuring over 300 hand-knotted rugs, from intricate florals to hand-spun wool natural dye tribals, from 2’x3’s to 10’x14’s.

Ten Thousand Villages partners with Bunyaad, a fair trade rug company that works with over 850 families throughout 100 villages in Pakistan. Working with artisans in their homes, increasing employment opportunities for women and paying a living wage, Bunyaad is making lifetime changes in so many families across Pakistan.
"These rugs are much more than just amazing pieces of art for your floors. They represent lives changed through fair trade. Every Bunyaad rug artisan earns a living wage,” said Yousaf Chaman, Bunyaad Director “We know that with every rug we sell, we are empowering women, fueling artisan's creativity and preserving their cultural heritage.”

And by paying artisans a living wage, quality rugs are produced.

"It's quite simple. When artisans know they are paid for every knot they tie, they can take their time, pay attention to the fine details of these intricate rugs and use high-quality materials, all leading to producing a rug that will last for generations and generations," said Chaman.

"We know our community wants to make a positive mark in this world by purchasing their carpets where it makes a true difference for the families crafting them," said Kara Miller, Ten Thousand Villages store manager. "It's a win-win situation. Artisans in Pakistan earn a living wage and North American consumers get an excellent quality rug with an excellent mission behind it. Home decorating was never more beautiful!"

For more information about these rugs or the upcoming rug event, go to www.bunyaad.com.