A Not So Short Summary
My name is
Anna Gala and I am the founder of Project Village Bracelets. I am super
excited to start this campaign! Thank
you for taking precious time out of your day to visit my page.
This may be
my vision, but its success will require collective contribution. That's where you come in.... ;)
For the last
10+ years I have organized, participated and assisted in multiple charitable
events and always knew that I wanted to make a difference in this world of
ours. After working with TOMS Shoes for 4 years and learning about the new
blended giving model in the retail industry, I was inspired to start my own
social-purpose business; a venture that blends money and meaning, income and
impact, profit and purpose, fashion and philanthropy.
I am a firm
believer that change is not achieved merely through handouts, but instead it is
achieved through empowerment. I also believe that strong women have a duty to
help strengthen other women...and likewise, all strong people have the
obligation to help strengthen other people. "Teach a man to fish...."
To say I've
always been a fan of bracelets is an understatement. Over the last year I kept
thinking to myself, "How awesome would it be if I could blend my love for bracelets with a greater purpose to serve something other than myself, and
make bracelets that are socially impactful?" Est voila! The idea for
Project Village was born!
The word
‘Village’ usually is used to describe a place in a ‘third world’ country that
is riddled with famine, dirt roads and aluminum siding roofs. We (North
Americans) consider our modern cities “developed” and that is a
major delusion. The truth is cities are just bigger villages and we have
a lot of work to do before all the citizens of our cities have equal
opportunities. This is my project. Toronto. My Village.
Project
Village aims to employ and empower underprivileged Toronto women in a
sustainable way and help them reach their personal and socioeconomic
goals.
Through
transformational coaching, positive social influences, empowering support
systems and healthy work environments, we truly feel that we can help break the
cycle of poverty and dependence... dependence on social
services that only disempower so many underprivileged people today.
I have been
blessed with having a great support system of many experienced mentors in my
life. One mentor has years of experience in the social-purpose retail
industry, another is the president and founder of the award winning PACT Urban
Peace Program and the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women's Empowerment.
Having just these two seasoned entrepreneurs in my corner cheering me on
and giving me guidance has really made me confident that we can transform lives
in a sustainable and powerful way.
Each women's
journey will be different and tailored to her specific goals and dreams.
Whether they be to go back to school, move to a better area, buy
healthier food, buy a car, whatever it is, we will make a plan to help her
achieve it.
What We Need &
What You Get
The more
money we raise, the more bracelets we will need to make, so the more women we
can hire and the longer we can hire them for!! Our initial goal is
$100,000 to help with all of the startup costs and so we can sustainably launch
Project Village into the world with the greatest impact. We have a lot of
work to do to create impactful branding, a strong retail marketing presence,
user friendly online systems, offer promotional items, purchase more materials to create a larger inventory, and have our mission shared
with and inspire as many people as possible through PR channels. Also upon campaign completion, we hope to have enough production needs to
bring on 5 women, train them and pay them to create all of the bracelets that
are going to be shipped out to our contributors, and then push sales to
continue their employment and empowerment with us.
Be the first
the get a Project Village bracelet and wear it proudly as a trend setter for a
socially conscious, locally supportive company. One of my favourite perks
is getting a bracelet set named after you! How cool is that?!
The Impact
The Project
Village embraces a 'think global, act local' philosophy.
Our long term vision is as follows: the first
two years, Project Village will employ and empower women solely in the Greater
Toronto Area. In year three, Project Village hopes to expand and employ women
in other Canadian cities. And in year 4-5, expand into the international
market. The purchase of Project Village bracelets not only supports
underprivileged women in Toronto, but will also help us make an even bigger
impact for women globally in the near future.
Risks & Challenges
Let's be
honest, starting a company is a lot of work... and starting a company that
depends on consistent sales and growth in order to support its giving model is
even more of a challenge! So, the truth is, we need the support and
promotion of a committed community to help this mission come to fruition.
By supporting, sharing and talking about Project Village, you are giving
us the fuel we need to have the greatest impact possible.
Other Ways You Can
Help
If you have
taken the time to read this and watch my video, I thank you from the bottom of
my heart. If you are unable to monetarily support this mission, I totally
understand, times are tough all over. However, simply sharing this campaign
with your family and friends through social media, email, etc. will help this
cause just as much as contributing to the campaign.
Thx a million
billion zillion...really, thank you.
Anna Gala