Aside from being a student, I also work a full-time (how many hours is that?!) job where I live, here in Durham. I am the Assistant Director of One World Market, a fair trade non-profit retail store. We sell handmade, fair trade items from artisans who live in developing countries all over the world. I truly love my job, but this time of year is truly special.
Being a non-profit, we often make it through with very little; that includes staffing. In fact, we only have two staff: myself and the Executive Director. Everyone else who works with our organization volunteers their time. From the cashier to the sales person, we depend on volunteers to drive our work. Fulfilling and limiting, working with volunteers is something that I love!
Our store does 60% of it's sales in November and December...which is mind boggling! We have to dig deep to stay committed to our work without burning out, but when I reflect on all the men, women, and children I am helping I feel rejuvenated!
I wish I read this while I was in Raleigh! I grew up in North Raleigh, and I was doing holiday shopping, I would of loved to come here!
ReplyDeleteVery informative. I will have to tell my family that lives in Raleigh/Durham area about this place. I just visited them two weeks ago and I too, wish I would have known about this place. I will try and visit it when my family takes a trip to Raleigh in February.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing you are doing, I know it must be hard at times, but keep at it! I believe it truly makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone!!! If you're in Durham definitely come by!! And ask if April's there, I would love to say Hola in person!
ReplyDelete