Giving back to the community is one of our pillars, so coming into Christmas we’ve been looking to buy from other small businesses that also give back.
Although Christmas is still seven weeks away, Christmas is only seven weeks away. It might be time to start thinking about what you are gifting this year, especially with the delay in postage and deliveries around the country at the moment.
We love the concept of shopping small, knowing that your purchase is helping to support the families of those small business owners, and their suppliers. And there are some businesses that pass on that support, by donating a portion of sales to charity.
Another way to consider your gifting, is to choose something meaningful or supportive of a purpose. Maybe it is from a business that encourages their employees that need additional support. Maybe it is the gift of donating to charity on behalf of the recipient. The gift that had a huge impact on me was being gifted an ‘Angel for a Day’ by my family – there were many tears at this thoughtful gift.
Here’s 5 businesses that give back, that you might like to check out:
Ability Chocolates
Ability Chocolates derives from the word ‘Disability’, remove the ‘dis’ and you create ‘Ability’. Chris and Noel have created a place where their daughter Rachael can shine, creating the fabulous range of Ability Chocolates. Rachael was lucky enough to learn her chocolate skills under the guidance of renowned Barossa chocolatier Bryon Pearson.
Ability Chocolates make Rocky Road, Freckles, Mint Crisps, Coffee crunch, Chilli chocs and lots more. These goodies are available at the Barossa Farmers Market fortnightly.
Iris & Wool
To Emily Riggs, founder of Iris & Wool, fashion represents freedom and creativity. She married a Merino sheep farmer from Burra (mid-north South Australia) so the inspiration for low-impact fashion was right there.
With every Iris & Wool purchase, 5% of proceeds are donated to the McGrath Foundation in honour of Emily’s mum, Jane McLeod, who passed away from breast cancer at age 43. And, as Emily says, “you will be making a difference to many farmers who produce Merino wool“.
Ameos
If you’re a cap wearer, you know there’s nothing more annoying that having a great ponytail set up and then having to move it way down to fit your hat on… that’s where caps from Ameos come in. Designed with a split to put your high pony through, it’s a game changer.
Jess has bought one for her 7 year old – they come in kids sizes too – and it has been much loved and worn.
Ameos is the brainchild of Angelika and the business is based in Adelaide. Angelika was diagnosed with endometriosis at 15 and so has chosen to donate $1 per hat purchase to QENDO.
Injalak Arts
The screen printing precision is what originally caught our attention on insta – what teamwork to get the printing spot on! You can purchase printed fabrics, artworks, earrings, woven baskets and more.
A not-for-profit community organisation in Arnhem Land, “Injalak Arts is owned by the artist members and all proceeds go to our Association, which is now a registered charity. Buying from us is sustaining our members and encourages them to continue making beautiful artworks!“
Clutches for a Cause
Owned by Judy and handmade on her farm in Peak Hill, NSW. Not just clutches, but table runners, heat packs and more. Judy started her business two years ago during the middle of a terrible dust storm when she was looking for something creative to do.
$5 from every purchase of a clutch is donated to a ‘charity of the month’, supporting charities from around Australia.
Wine for Christmas
We all need wine for the festive season, and when you purchase from Small Victories Wine Co, you’re also supporting Variety – the Children’s Charity and Trees For Life.
Thoughtful shopping
This Christmas we’re going to try to to shop more thoughtfully. Gifts don’t need to be the biggest or the flashiest or the most expensive. They should come from the heart, and when you know that the purchase has also supported someone else that is pretty cool.
And as I’ve said before, you gotta love that every time you buy from a small business, they do a little happy dance!
‘Til next time, Jess
