Macy’s Heart of Haiti Handcrafted Masterpieces #heartofhaiti

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 marks the one year anniversay of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake, with the epicenter of the quake only 16 miles west of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The earthquake also caused major damage in many other surrounding settlements in the region. The Haitian government reported that an estimated 230,000 people died, 300,000 were injured and 1,000,000 made homeless. The massive damage caused from the earthquake has made it virtually impossible for Haitians to make a living.

Through her company, Fair Winds Trading Willa Shalit specializes in connecting gifted artisans in “post-trauma” communities with American corporations to build sustainable economic relationships. Willa Shalit is the amazing woman who has worked to bring wonderful projects to Macy’s attention. The Macy’s Heart of Haiti line offers beautiful works of art for your home while offering sustained work and income to Haitian artisan communities. The Heart of Haiti initiative at Macy’s has already led to employment of 450 artists in Haiti and has provided some financial benefits for an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people in the country.

Shopping the Macy’s Heart of Haiti line directly benefits Haitian artisans and their families.  Artisans receive 22 percent of the retail price for each item in the collection. These custom handcrafted masterpieces include vases, quilts, ceramics; wood carvings, paintings and jewelry, and all are available for purchase in select U.S. stores or online.

More information on the Heart of Haiti Project and the products for purchase can be found on the Macy’s website.

Heart of Haiti Metal Giftware, Coral Collection

Heart of Haiti Bowls, Ceremonial Collection

Heart of Haiti Crafts, Divine Fruit Sculpture Collection

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.