Hearts Together for Haiti's Women's Co-operative

The "Hearts Together for Haiti" Women's Co-operative in Labadie, Haiti consists of five hard-working, hopeful women producing charming Raggedy-Anne Haitian-style dolls to be sold in Canada, and to other willing buyers. Currently they are selling very well in Windsor, Ontario.

The Co-op got its start in April 2004 when I visited Labadie with an idea spawned by black Raggedy-Ann doll Luci Afonso had received as a gift and that she thought could be easily reproduced in Haiti. The women in Labadie were up for the venture and there has been no looking back!

My mother, Henriette Trautman, operates a Doll and Bear Hospital ( 4031 Graham Side Road; 839-4237 ) and she has most generously supported the women's first efforts by buying dolls upfront so that the women wouldn't have to wait long to start realizing a profit. Dolls can be purchased at her shop, if you desire to support this worthy endeavour.

Other stores supporting this venture are Jones & Company Fine Flea & Antiques ( 618 Windemere ) and The Coffee Exchange ( 343 Ouellette Avenue ). Also, we are now in 10,000 Villages, at 3225 Sandwich Street. You can visit them to get the dolls that are now in their store.

The women are also making sundresses now, which they plan to market to Royal Caribbean tourists that come in regularly as RCCL has exclusive Port Rights at CoCo Beach, at Labadie.
Furthermore, Laura Bossio taught the women to make hemp jewellry while she was in Labadie, long term, and these are also going into production.
It is important to note that ALL the products are completely hand made by the women.
On the Windsor end, the Co-op is supported by a committee I formed last year consisting of Jeanelle Spratt, Ann Marcoccia, and Cari Marcoccia. With their help, the Co-op is a reality. I would still be dreaming about it without them! Tania Quenneville has joined the cause and I am sure there will be others stepping forward.

If you would like to help this wonderful Co-op, thus giving the women of Labadie dignified work, please call me at 257-3145.

God bless,
Mariette Jones