They're here:
http://www.bridgehead.ca/en/AboutUs/VisionsValues.asp?SID=322663763027496774101645750933633836491914686960015236168941&LangID=1&Our vision
We envision a global exchange that puts people before profit. We link our consumers with small-scale farmers in the developing world through fair trade.
Our values
- We develop long-term partnerships based on mutual respect
- We ensure that economic benefits remain where they are most needed-with growers, their families and communities
- We support sustainable environmental practices that enrich the earth
- We encourage people to learn more about and support fair trade
- Our partners influence markets, each other, and global awareness of fair trade products
We develop long-term partnerships based on mutual respect. Whether in sharing ideas with grower co-operatives or in marking the contribution of women to fair trade, our partners advocate full and equal participation. In so doing, our partners strive to uphold the following tenets:
- Farmers who work within grower co-operatives enjoy democratic participation
- Local villages and communities are consulted to determine how extra premiums paid by fair trade will be distributed, such as for local health-care, housing and education programs
- Women enjoy respect and recognition for their work and share a significant role in decision-making processes
- All coffee and tea workers, including women and children, are protected from exploitative working practices and are paid fair living wages
- All partners respect human rights, the environment, and indigenous culture ...
I've bought Bridgehead coffee (fair-trade, shade-grown) and other things for xmas presents, for years. There are Amazonian cashew candy to promote sustainable use of forests, wild rice from Canada's First Nations communities, and craft products from all over (unfortunately limited selection on line -- I'm lucky; I've got a Bridgehead store in town!)
This year, they seem to be promoting "Bazura bags":
Bazura Bags works with a women’s co-operative in the Philippines that set up a Livelihood Project assisted by the local village council. With almost no capital, the women found a very clever way to support themselves: everyday, children from the local schools collect over 50,000 used drink containers, called doy packs, then sell them to the co-operative; the containers are sanitized and the women sew them together into attractive, durable bags. The women who are part of the Livelihood Project work for themselves and have a positive impact on their community and, at the same time, they encourage environmentalism.
Bazura bags are colourful, earth friendly bags with many uses. The styles we have this season include shoulder bags, shopping bags, and lunch bags. The pattern of doy pack varies with each bag.
They range from Cdn $12 for a cosmetic bag to $25 for a market bag (about US $10 to $20), plus shipping ($10 for orders of $50-100, plus $5 to the US).
Where else you gonna get East Timorese coffee??
The products aren't cheap, but you can consider part of the price an investment in peace and justice.