Prema working with some floral tote bags

Founded in 1990 with 5 employees working in a hut, Teddy has become a prime example of how a fair trade organization can truly benefit an entire community. It now is situated on an entire campus and employs over 300 workers (mostly women). All employees receive a salary well above the local norm and benefits including medical care, paid maternity leave, primary education for their children, daycare, subsidized meals and a pension plan. The company uses its profits to fund the Teddy Trust, which supports a school for 300 village children, an AIDS awareness program, a healthcare clinic, and an education and counseling project for street children.

Read more about Teddy Exports at www.teddyexports.net.