The other day I stumbled across an amazing website with gorgeous handmade hobo bags! The company is called Dalla and is located in LA. It was created by designer Tina Tangalakis, who mixed together her love for art and humanitarian work! Tina created Dalla after volunteering and teaching at the Happy Kids Orphanage in Ghana. While there, she met local seamstress Beatrice Agabe. Days later, a beautiful friendship and company were created. Dalla (who's Adinkra Symbols means "unity and hope") provides jobs to the people of Ghana, encouraging their creativity and using local textiles. This wonderful company allows the women of Ghana to gain finiancial independence, education, and skill training.
Beatrice
Each bag has the artist's name hand sewn into the strap, adding a personal touch.
To purchase one of these beautiful bags or simply to donate to the cause, visit the website http://dellala.com/about.php
Billas Says: There are hundreds of ways to express the humanitarian within! The obvious being the Peace Corps or taking a volunteer vacation (such as habitat for humanity). Volunteer with Doctors without Borders, Facing Africa, or Operation Smile. Don't have time to travel? Volunteer your time at a Senior day care, soup kitchen (Our Daily Bread is always in need), or animal rescue center. Live more of an active lifestyle? Volunteer to maintain your favorite trail or sponsor your favorite non-profit at your next race (don't forget to wear gear with the organizations name on it to spread the word). Love to run? See if there is a local "Back on My Feet" organization and help teach self-esteem and strength to a group of homeless men and/or women. More of an entertainer? Host a dinner party to "Feed the Hungrey" and have guests donate cans for a local food drive. Throw a dance party and have guests donate money for a local school's struggling music program. Like to cook? Join a CSA and keep local farmers in business while obtaining fresh organic food (http://www.marylandagriculture.info/category_info.cfm?categoryid=46). Maybe your love is shopping! Shop at fair-trade, eco-friendly organizations. Dalla, Ten-thousand Villages, and Beads for Life are all amazing companies with beautiful products that give back while creating independence to struggling countries. Plus they make great gifts! Its so much more meaningful to give a gift that will make more than one person smile!
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