A selection of fair trade items apart of the giving basket raffle sponsored by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Catholic Relief Services Philadelphia Advocacy Chapter. (Photo: Anne H. Ayella)

Posted November 28, 2022

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) are partnering to host a fair trade giving basket raffle this Advent season.

Sponsored by the CRS Philadelphia Advocacy Chapter with support from CSS and Nutritional Development Services, an agency of the archdiocese, the event runs now through Dec. 16.

Fair trade items allow faithful to reflect on the people behind the products as well as the importance of our purchasing decisions. Fair trade items also invite us to live out the Catholic social teaching principle of respecting the dignity of work, rights of workers, and caring for the poor.

 “This opportunity combines fair trade with community giving on behalf of our global and local brothers and sisters,” said Anne H. Ayella, director of the archdiocesan CRS office.

All proceeds from the raffle will benefit CRS’ work globally, as well as CSS’ efforts locally to support recently resettled refugees in the Philadelphia area.

>>READ MORE: Archbishop Pérez issues statement on his appointment as Chair of Catholic Relief Services Board

In celebration of CRS’ vital work in agriculture, two raffle prizes offered are healthy produce basket which will be delivered directly to the winner’s home from The Fruit Guys.

The remaining six baskets contain a variety of fair-trade items including coffee, tea, snacks, chocolate, candles, books, and wine.

Tickets are being sold for 1 for $3.00 or 2 for $5.00. There will be eight prize baskets valued at approximately $50 each.

Tickets may be purchased through Venmo @Anne-HAyella or by check payable to Catholic Social Services at 222 North 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 and directed to the attention of Amy Stoner.

For additional information, please contact Anne Ayella at aayella@archphila.org.

Holiday Basket Descriptions

Basket 1 and 2: Fresh produce boxes (seasonal fruit box delivered to the winner’s home from The Fruit Guys)

Basket 3: “Cozy Christmas” including small ceramic Peruvian Nativity, tea, coffee, mug, and slippers in a jute flannel bucket bag.

Basket 4:  Fair-trade Children’s gifts including book, recycled Sari bibs, soap, stuffed animal, and blanket.

Basket 5: “Relax” including coffee, tea, aromatherapy items, three pairs of socks for a cause, and Jane Goodall’s “Book of Hope”

Basket 6: “Cheers” including three bottles of wine (Lambrusco, Cabernet and Merlot) and an iceless wine cooler in a Tartan plaid tote.

Basket 7: “Fair trade Kitchen” including fair trade nuts, wine and kitchen items (apron, oven mitt, cutting board.)

Basket 8: Fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate sampler with Christmas mug set

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Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. It is dedicated to improving the lives of poor and vulnerable families through humanitarian programs and services in over 100 countries. For more information, please visit https://www.crs.org/.