CWRU Softball Moves Rugs to Give Back

CWRU Softball Moves Rugs to Give Back

From Case Western Reserve University Athletics

There are many ways to volunteer and give back to those less fortunate. The Case Western Reserve University softball team has found a unique way to do just that, and it involves rugs.

For the second straight year, the Spartans took part in a Ten Thousand Villages' Fair Trade Difference event. The team contributed by moving hundreds of "Bunyaad" rugs to be sold in support of lives, culture and education in Pakistan.

"I have an aunt who is on the board of directors for Ten Thousand Villages, and they were looking for strong people to help with the loading and unloading of the rugs," said Head Coach Josie Henry. "It really is a lot of hard manual labor, but it is a great way for our student-athletes to utilize their strength to give back."

According to the Ten Thousand Villages website, the company provides well made, quality products for customers and a fair livable income for its artisans. The company employs minimal full-time employees as 70% of the work performed in its shops is volunteer-based.  

"The rugs we work with are all handmade by men and women in Pakistan," said Henry. "There is no child labor involved, and the overall project helps fund schools and empower women. This particular sale is projected to help 850 families. It is amazing that work with rugs right up the street from our campus can impact lives all the way across the globe."