Guests feasted on Rwandan-inspired hors d’oeuvres while being serenaded by the powerful vocals of renowned Rwandan singer Cécile Kayirebwa. Upon his arrival, H.E. Kagame was greeted by the sounds of African drummers before making his way in to greet and address the attentive audience.
H.E. Kagame expressed his appreciation, thanking Lundgren and Macy’s for the opportunity afforded the women of Rwanda, thanks to the partnership. “I’m here to simply say to you that we appreciate this and we look forward to continue to work with [Macy’s]. It brings together the process of reconciliation in Rwanda and business,” he said.
Shop for a Better World is a collection of hand-crafted goods from Rwanda, Cambodia and Indonesia that generates income for the artisans who create the items. It is the brainchild of Willa Shalit, an activist and founder of Fair Winds Trading, who realized that it would be much better to assist such countries by helping them to build employment opportunities rather than to simply make a one-time donation.
“Macy’s is really at the forefront of the movement of ethical shopping. Our heart is with Rwanda,” Shalit said. “Rwanda is really a leader in the world not only in design, but in the message of reconciliation and the message of peace.”
Since its launch in 2004, Shop for a Better World grew from a 15-person operation to one that employs over 1000 Rwandan women and generated more than $1.5 million in sales. “It’s just a great feeling,” Lundgren said. “It goes far beyond the commerce. Rather than us just try to sprinkle around the world, I think we can have a meaningful impact in Rwanda.” –ivory m. jones
