Carlee WrightNOTE: This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 10 (Dec 2019/Jan 2020) — some information may be out of date due to COVID-19.
When thinking about where you spend your money this holiday season (or all year ‘round for that matter), consider supporting a business that gives back. There are a handful of local merchants that contribute to the community on a greater scale as part of their traditional business model.
Gifts that give hope
One Fair World is a fair trade, not-for-profit retailer of artisan-crafted goods, from home decor and accessories to jewelry and musical instruments and more. It aims to “transform lives of artisans in developing countries by providing a marketplace for their products, paying them fair wages and increasing local awareness of the importance of fair trade.” This model of business supports a greater cause in the community while providing unique gifts and goods.
Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Other than the manager and assistant manager, One Fair World is run entirely by volunteers, including the Board of Directors. If you are passionate about their mission of fair trade and social justice, and looking to give some time, this may be a good fit.
Stop by the store at: One Fair World, 474 Court St. NE. Contact: 503-585-1636, onefairworld.org
Pedal on
The Northwest Hub is a nonprofit bicycle shop, bike reclamation program and training center. It aims to “mobilize and empower people through bicycle reclamation, distribution, repair training and creative reuse.” The organization provides services and sales to the public, as well as free bicycles, parts, repair training and vocational rehabilitation to adults and at-risk youth.
In addition to donating your unwanted bike (your donation is tax-deductible), you can shop at their store where you’ll find new and used bikes, all-weather clothing and accessories. Plus, you can get your bike repaired.
Check it out at: The Northwest Hub, 1230 Broadway St. NE. Contact: 503-584-1052
Coffee with a cause
The Ike Box & Isaac’s Coffee, Wine & Dessert are two arms of Isaac’s Room, a nonprofit that aims to “help divested young people build capacity to rise to the challenges of life,” by “providing experiences that build character, confidence and skills and a community of people living life with intentionality, intelligence and spirit.”
Shopping at and supporting the Ike Box and Isaac’s is an investment in the community work of Isaac’s Room and thus, youth in Salem…and who doesn’t like a fresh scone and cuppa, anyway?
Grab a cuppa to go at: Ike Box, 299 Cottage St. NE. Contact: 503-581-6154, ikebox.com AND/OR Isaac’s Coffee, Wine & Dessert, 201 Commercial St. NE. Contact: 503-551-3939, facebook.com/isaacsdowntown
All about the cause
Causewagon puts local causes in the spotlight by selling print-on-demand apparel and accessories at community events. At community events? Yes, that’s right. The name is a descriptor as the studio is housed inside a van. The project is a side hustle of David Pluister, an art teacher with “a passion for people rethinking how art and design can impact the world.” You may also recognize his name from Nuvoglas, a business that keeps glass bottles out of the waste stream by upcycling them into usable glassware.
Giving back to the local community, 10% of every sale benefits a cause. Shop the goods online at causewagon.com.
Drink up
Since 1996, Venti’s has been committed to serving Salem with good, clean food, but their commitment and love for our city goes beyond their food and drinks. For 10 years, they ran a program called Live Salem, which honored a different nonprofit beneficiary each month, and while that program may be retired that doesn’t mean they stopped giving back.
Live Salem developed into Community Taps at the Taphouse and Ales for Trails at downtown Venti’s, said owner Dino Venti. For any pint or imperial purchased, the customer receives a token that can be donated towards one of the supported nonprofits. A token has a value of 25 cents.
Stop in for a pint at: Venti’s Cafe + Basement Bar, 325 Court St. NE AND/OR Venti’s Taphouse, 2840 Commercial St. S
Furnishing opportunity
Sparrow Furniture, operating under the 501(c)(3) of Salem Alliance Church, helps refugees overcome employment barriers by providing them with the opportunity for paid training and language acquisition in a business that creates one-of-a-kind, culturally-inspired repurposed furniture, lighting and décor.
They sell a variety of unique goods from small gift items to unique reclaimed furniture. They also accept solid wood furniture that can be refurbished to sell in their showroom, as well as opportunities for volunteering.
See the showroom at: Sparrow Furniture, 1264 Broadway St. NE. Contact: sparrowfurniture.org
This one’s for the bees
Shop O’ Honey is the creative adventure of Sprague High School seniors Kendra Sadler and Hanna Li, who were inspired by their passion for business, fashion and helping our planet to create an accessory business that gives back. Shop O’ Honey donates its money to the Honeybee Conservancy Organization, which aims to create more habitat for bees, thus supporting the creation of sustainable food sources.
“We decided to donate to the Honeybee Conservancy because, without bees, the future ahead of us is a world with no more apples, almonds, vanilla and more,” said Kendra. “The ecosystem requires far more than just sunshine, water or plants to survive. Bees, as the primary pollinator in countless regions of the world, are responsible for pollinating 90% of all plants and 35% of the world’s crops consumed by humans in total; thus, a variety of species are extremely dependent on the presence of bees, as they play a vital role in the production of food sources.”
Find their goods at Funky Munky Urban Consignment Boutique, 3989 Commercial St SE, and stay connected with their cause at instagram.com/shopohoney.
Other retailers serving a greater good include:
Willamette Humane Society Thrift Store,
548 High St. NE
503-362-6892, whs4pets.org
Assistance League Gift Shop/Daue House,
1095 Saginaw St. S
503-364-8318, als-k.org
Encore Furniture,
1198 Commercial St. SE
503-581-3300, als-k.org
Salem Friends Of Felines,
980 Commercial St SE
503-362-5611, sfof.org
Habitat for Humanity ReStore,
1249 13th St. SE
503-485-4845, salemhabitat.org
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 10 (Dec 2019/Jan 2020)
The Instigator
