| Mission and History of A Global Friendship
A Global Friendship is a young, dynamic, environmentally conscious not-for-profit service and education organization whose aim is to help develop poor communities in an effort to end global poverty. Dedicated to the self-sustainability of individuals, particularly the matriarchs of the community, AGF works for equality and Fair Trade practices for artisans. Through micro-financing supplies, directing craft towards marketability and teaching small business development skills, 'Project HOME,' AGF’s development program, partners with artisans to sell their handmade works in the West. Sold in over 50 boutiques across the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, 85% of the proceeds go back to the artisans and seeds of the communities, the children.
A survivor of the 2004 Tsunami, which to date is the world's largest natural disaster, Elizabeth Firgeleski started AGF as a way, she says, to give back to the community that gave her a second chance at life. Awestruck by the kindness and strength of the Thai community, despite the poverty and devastation around them, Firgeleski saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between past generations of inequality and future generations of success.
"My heart breaks to know that people in this day and age live on as little as two dollars a day. I asked myself what I could do to change this harsh reality". Currently focused in S.E. Asia, AGF is looking to partner with communities in Cambodia as well as Haiti. |
