These talented ladies are the 'Esmeraldas de San Francisco' (San Francisco Emeralds), a group of embroiderers from the State of México in Mexico. They applied to Kiva, the microfinance organisation, for a loan to enable them to buy more thread and fabric to help them expand their business, producing embroidered napkins and tablecloths.
I lent them $25 (about £16) and 104 other people made loans of varying amounts, which made up the total of $3,025. Just a few weeks later, the group have repaid 5% of their loan, and eventually I'll get my $25 back and will be able to loan it to someone else who needs to borrow it.
I don't have the spare funds to *donate* much money to charity, and Kiva allows me to do a little bit to help by lending the same $25 over and over - how fantastic.
* SONG OF THE DAY: The Feeling - Sewn *
What a great idea! Think I will look into that.
Posted by: laura | June 27, 2011 at 03:12 PM
What a great idea- I am checking out the website now!
Posted by: Steph | June 27, 2011 at 07:36 PM
Thanks ladies, am so pleased! Kristen :)
Posted by: Bus Stop | July 04, 2011 at 02:53 AM
What a brill idea! will have a look at the website. Have enjoyed reading your blog after stumbling upon it last year!
Posted by: Marina | July 04, 2011 at 09:39 PM