GGP Responds to New York Times Op-Ed

In response to an op-ed published in the New York Times on Oct 10th, 2006, “Will Work for School Supplies” , GGP’s founders wrote the following:

As mothers of school-age children, we share Ms. Karbo’s frustration [“Will Work for School Supplies”] with most school fundraising efforts. The current for-profit model is no way to solve our schools’ budget shortfalls; nor does it broaden our children’s educational experience. However, as long as school fundraisers are a reality, we could all benefit from making them more meaningful to students and the community. Global Goods Partners, a New York-based nonprofit organization, offers a creative alternative. Participating schools sell beautiful, hand-crafted gifts made by women artisans earning a fair wage in some of the poorest communities in the world. This program provides schools with an innovative way to introduce students to global justice and social responsibility. Moreover, an easy-to-use online ordering system eliminates Ms. Karbo’s dreaded door-to-door sales. The inevitable fundraiser can be used to make a difference in the lives of women and families around the globe and enhance our children’s education.

Catherine Shimony & Joan Shifrin
Co-Founders, Global Goods Partners