About Ten Thousand Villages at Shoppes of Kildaire

Ten Thousand Villages at the Shoppes of Kildaire in Cary, NC, is a fair trade retailer of artisan-crafted home decor, personal accessories and gift items from across the globe. Featuring products from more than 130 artisan groups in some 38 countries, we are part of a network of over 390 retail outlets throughout the United States selling Ten Thousand Villages products.

As one of the world’s oldest and largest fair trade organizations, Ten Thousand Villages has spent more than 60 years cultivating trading relationships in which artisans receive a fair price for their work and consumers have access to distinctive handcrafted items. We seek to establish long-term buying relationships in places where skilled artisans are under- or unemployed, and in which they lack other opportunities for income. A founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), Ten Thousand Villages sees fair trade as an alternative approach to conventional international trade.

Would your organization or class like to learn more about fair trade and the work of Ten Thousand Villages? Here's how:

Community Group Presentations--We offer presentations about fair trade and Ten Thousand Villages to community groups throughout the Raleigh area, including churches, civic organizations and women's groups. The presentations are customized to fit your time constraints and focus, and they may take place at our store or off-site. Contact Executive Director Kristine Ashwood at 919-377-2700.

In-store Student Presentations--Students learn about fair trade, other cultures and even a little geography during these age specific presentations for grades first through high school. Also, ESL classes of all ages are welcomed. For more information contact our Education Coordinator, Nancy McMahon, at education.raleigh@tenthousandvillages.com.

Volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages in Raleigh, NC

Ten Thousand Villages at the Shoppes of Kildaire is a mainly volunteer-operated organization and currently has more than 50 dedicated volunteers. Volunteering at Ten Thousand Villages is a great way to support and learn about artisans in developing countries without leaving Wake County.

If you enjoy communicating with people and sharing stories, you might enjoy being a Sales Associate. Sales Associates actively engage customers to help them find gifts for any occasion. Associates also explain where crafts originate, how they are made and why buying at Ten Thousand Villages is so important to changing the lives of artisans around the world. We also offer a 25% discount on all of our non-discounted merchandise to our volunteers so they too can shop fair trade and make a difference.

If you prefer behind-the-scenes work, you might like to take on essentials such as housekeeping or checking in merchandise when it arrives. No matter which role you choose, we provide adequate training to ensure all volunteers are comfortable in their roles.