Local refugees contribute to new Jubilee
For the first time since 2019, the Jubilee Fair-Trade Marketplace will re-emerge this fall with a slightly new model that includes more local refugees. It will be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2, at First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar.
Some regular vendors from past years have needed to discontinue their fair-trade ventures, said Mary Frankhauser, who has returned to coordinating the event this year.
In addition to the event highlighting returning vendors, local refugees will also share their arts, crafts and products.
For example, Thrive International has a group of women who gather evenings to create items.
Pingala Dhital, on staff with Thrive, gathers Afghan and Arabic-speaking women to sew fabric bags and make jewelry through the Mahima Project.
In addition, recently arrived artists and craft producers from Ukraine will host booths featuring paintings, cards, candles, and knitted bags and scarves.
Vendor and refugee booths will be in the gym, leaving the fellowship hall for eating food provided by chefs from different countries through Feast World Kitchen and for some music groups to perform.
The hours will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.
Why is Mary back at gathering volunteers to restart this event?
"My heart is still there. I want to lift up artisans around the world who are still struggling as they were five years ago and still need markets," she said.
First Presbyterian Church has been growing, adding new members who have not experienced a Jubilee Marketplace, she added.
"I think it can be viable for the future by involving new people in the church and community," said Mary, who had refocused her life around grandchildren, travel and health needs. "As new people become involved, I hope to move to volunteer from the sidelines."
"I love bringing people together across cultures," Mary said. "I'm excited to include refugees in our international celebration."
Mary and her husband, John, originally worked with another First Presbyterian member, Gloria Cooper, to start Jubilee in 1989. It was held every year through 2019. It was not held in 2020 because of COVID.
"We started Jubilee with the goal of introducing Spokane to the community of artisans around the world. What was then known as 'alternative' trade grew into fair trade, and organized around standards," Mary said.
"We don't require artisans for Jubilee to be certified fair traders, but we include those who pay fairly," Mary said, celebrating that there are "so many beautiful people in the world, some in distant countries and some who come to us. It's a gift to share them and their skills with our community."
How is this commitment an expression of her faith?
Mary said that "as followers of Jesus, we want to live into loving our neighbors as ourselves. It's part of life and a core of my faith. As a Christian I know each person has great value. I want to live that understanding.
"Instead of being self-centered or focusing on our own gain, we seek to work with people who want to make life better for others," she said.
While many vendors are Christian, vendors include Muslims and people of other faiths.
"We are open to everyone in this event and in life," she continued.
Mary appreciates working with people invested in small businesses that are committed to fair trade, and through these business relationships, many have become her friends.
Not only has she become friends with vendors, but the vendors also have become friends with each other and support each other, rather than competing.
Mary also appreciates the faithfulness of the artisans whose actions of caring for other people speak loudly. She has seen people who care develop skills and good business practices in difficult situations when they have the chance.
"I have learned we need each other across cultures," Mary added. "We always need to learn more about the cultures of others and our own culture. We can always be growing."
For information, call 499-4724 or email mfrankhauser@gmail.com.
