Carpets for Communities

Volunteer Opportunities: Yes

History

At age 23, partway through university, David Bacon moved to Thailand to work as a volunteer for a year for AIESEC. While living there, he was inspired to try and make a difference in the lives of some children he befriended in Cambodia who were begging from tourists. He spent several trips trying to find out more about them and their situation, going to visit their families, talking to local NGOs and having a meeting with the village women to see what could be done to help their situation. Early on, when he asked the village women what would be best for them, they said money or work. Carpets for Communities started testing production with some local NGOs and villagers in 2004. Initial rounds of testing were completed in early 2005.

Mission

To offer immediate intervention and to give at-risk children an education by empowering their mothers to  produce and sell handmade, eco-friendly products