Greetings from Kabul!
We have moved all our manufacturing to Kabul, Afghanistan. This was partly a business decision because it reduces our costs so we can make our product more affordable for you, but mostly a heart decision because that's who we are.
Our head of production, Rahila, who has worked for us for the last three years has returned to Kabul to set up our factory where we employ vulnerable women who are experiencing immeasurable hardship. I lived there in 2004-2006 as a humanitarian so I know the people and landscape really well -- hence my ongoing relationship with the Afghan community.
Each morning there is a line of over 100 people waiting outside in the hope of getting work. It is heartbreaking to turn people away when we have the work but lack the machinery to employ them.
In short, we have run out of money. We need another 20 sewing machines and 8 solar panels. City power only comes on for 3 hours a day in Kabul so you either run a diesel generator or get solar. Guess which one we chose?
Each machine can provide an income for upto 4 women as they can sew all hours of the day and work their schedules around family.
We are asking for donations to help us get there. As a business, not a charity, we can't give you a tax rebate and we will have to pay GST on what you give but 100% of the balance will go to Kabul.
Please select an amount you can donate below. If you donate $500 you will receive a free box of crackers!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!