WAPAKONETA — The Petersburg Parishes will host their fifth annual Fair Trade Sale on Saturday, Nov. 5, and Sunday, Nov. 6, in the St. Joseph Church Parish Life Center, Wapakoneta. Hours for the sale are Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. Attendees should use the Blackhoof Street parking lot to access the Parish Life Center. The event is open to the public and all are welcome.
The Fair Trade sale provides an opportunity to purchase unique gifts for children and adults made by independent artists, craftspersons, and farmers across the world. Items for sale will include clothing, home decor, baskets, jewelry, musical instruments, toys, Christmas decorations, crosses, and more.
The sale will also feature Fair Trade chocolate, tea, coffee, soup, and spices, with free samples available to those in attendance. Live background music will enhance the shopping experience. Sales organizers are Immaculate Conception parishioner Audrey Gutman and St. Joseph parishioner Dr. Jamie Szelagowski, who are assisted by many volunters.
Purchases at the fair trade sale support farmers, artisans, and laborers as they seek to build better lives for their families. States a representative from the Petersburg Parishes Social Justice Commission, “The monies from the sale help people in the developing world send their children to school, build wells, and participate in projects that strengthen their communities. We’re proud to be able to help from right here in west-central Ohio.”
The Petersburg Parishes work with Catholic Relief Services and with SERRV, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support worldwide. SERRV collaborates with congregations of many Christian denominations to host Fair Trade sales.
The Petersburg Parishes of Botkins Immaculate Conception, Fryburg St. John, Rhine St. Lawrence, and Wapakoneta St. Joseph are named for the now-vanished Petersburg settlement (between Wapakoneta and Botkins) from which the parishes emerged in the 19th century. They are served by the Rev. Patrick Sloneker, pastor, and the Rev. Sean Wilson, associate pastor. For more information, call 419-738-4924.
