For many of us, Christmas is a hectic time, full of socialising, eating and of course hunting down the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Amid the Christmas craziness, it can be hard to find gifts that are both meaningful and ethical. Luckily, we’ve got our Melbourne-based friends covered this year with our first ever Christmas market. Here, you can find the perfect gift and support our incredible refugee-background merchants at the same time. Read on below to learn more about some of the goodies that’ll be on offer on the day:
The Social Studio
The Social Studio are a not-for-profit social enterprise. Combining education, retail and production, The Social Studio creates work and learning opportunities for Melbourne’s refugee and new migrant communities. You’ll be able to pick up gorgeous clothes and accessories from The Social Studio at the market.
Akos Creative
Akos is an African Australian jewellery designer. At our markets, you’ll be able to pick up Akos Creative’s unique, bright pieces for yourself or your loved ones – think chunky bead bracelets, tassels, and vibrant headbands.
Treekid
Treekid create ethical and sustainable clothing for kids. They are focused on reducing textile waste; the clothes will adjust as your children grow. Treekid has also partnered with One Tree Planet, meaning that for every product sold, Treekid will plant a tree to reforest bushfire affected areas in Australia. A real win-win!
Akira Grateful
Akira Grateful is a brand that creates luxurious cosmetic products and candles. Founder Priyantha’s early childhood is marked with memories of the Sri Lankan civil war. The family were able to resettle in Melbourne in 1986; as such, the foundational idea behind Akira Grateful is gratitude and to ‘pay it forward’ in order to give back to people in less fortunate circumstances. The word ‘Akira’ in Priyantha’s native language means ‘to have graceful strength’.
And if for some reason these market vendors don’t sound brilliant enough for you, there will also be delicious food on offer on the day. You’ll be able to try Columbian cuisine courtesy of Donde Mama and Somali/Ethiopian food by East African Sisters.
$2 from each ticket will go to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. To grab your ticket, click here.
Photo credit via The Social Studio and Akira Grateful Facebook pages.