Hugh Davidson of the Hugh and Sandra Davidson Trust officially opened the One World Centre Isle of Man charity pop up shop in Douglas yesterday (Wednesday 17 July). The shop, at 28 Duke Street, is selling fair trade goods and crafts, including a range of fabulous homeware, stationery and gifts from Shakti Man in Ramsey.
The One World Centre, which is normally based at St Johns, is also using the shop space to raise awareness of global issues and the work it does, particularly within schools. An area has been set aside for display with an exhibition of photographs of street life in Bangalore from renowned Island photographer Vicky Harrop currently on view.
Performing the ceremonial opening, Hugh Davidson said, “The One World Centre does important work in helping educate young people on the Island about the challenges and realities of living in the developing world today and our Trust is happy to support it.”
Rosemary Clarke, director of the One World Centre, added, “This venture wouldn’t have been possible without the generous help of so many of our supporters, especially the Hugh and Sandra Davidson Trust – and the willingness of our volunteers to give up their time to staff it. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to have a temporary base in Douglas and extend a welcome to everyone to come in and find out more about what we do.”
The One World Centres exists to raise awareness of global issues such as poverty, injustice and sustainability. It encourages an appreciation of how people around the world are interconnected and interdependent on each other – and of how actions like buying fairly-traded goods can have a positive impact on others, particularly in developing countries.
A showcase for Ramsey’s Shakti Man
The Shakti Man selection is just a fraction of what the Island's fair trade retailer offers, showcasing beautiful products from producers like Sari Bari, a fair trade business in Calcutta that enables women to escape poverty and forced prostitution.
"We're really excited to be part of this collaboration as we all share the same aims," said Leni Lewis, Shakti Man's owner. "Hopefully the range on sale will surprise people who have not visited Shakti Man in Ramsey before.
“Fair trade has really moved on in recent years and is now an explosion of creativity and cutting edge design. From recycled sari stationery to hand-rolled natural incense, not only is everything top quality, it represents a real shift in the way business is conducted between the developed and developing world – away from exploitation to mutual benefit and respect."
New look unveiled for One World Centre
The opening of the shop coincides with a new look for the One World Centre, courtesy of the Marketing and Business Development team of local financial services company, the Capital International Group.
Daren Ward, Design and Marketing Manager for The Group, says “We were delighted to help the One World Centre in creating a more lively and engaging image and there is further work to come so keep an eye on the shop windows in the coming weeks!”
The One World Centre pop up shop will normally be open from 10am to 4pm Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Photo: Hugh Davidson opening the One World Centre pop up shop with representatives from Capital International and fair trade supporters.
