Orphan's Aid Online
Orphan’s Aid Online offers a variety of ethically sourced goods from around the world, from clothing to coffee. Proceeds from sales go towards their global charity that works to rescue children from abusive and unsafe situations and to place them into loving families or homes.
Orphan’s Aid Online offers a variety of ethically sourced goods from around the world, from clothing to coffee. Proceeds from sales go towards their global charity that works to rescue children from abusive and unsafe situations and to place them into loving families or homes.
Orphan’s Aid Online offers a variety of ethically sourced goods from around the world, from clothing to coffee. Proceeds from sales go towards their global charity that works to rescue children from abusive and unsafe situations and to place them into loving families or homes.
Our Story
Orphan’s Aid Online was founded by Sue van Schreven, after a life-changing trip to Nepal in 2008. Sue returned to New Zealand with Nepalese fair trade bags to sell as a fundraiser, which sold out quickly.
At the same time, she began to source beautiful greeting cards in Kolkata, made from recycled paper and straw by women who wanted to be free from brothels. After a visit to the Northern hemisphere, Sue returned with Russian dolls made locally and beautifully hand painted.
Early on, Sue and her team decided they wanted to be firm about who they purchase from and support. They established their own Orphans Aid Approved standard to ensure every purchase abides by their criteria, which includes being ethically sourced from developing countries and provides income to disadvantaged individuals or communities. These standards align closely to our own fair&good values.
“Choosing to buy from Orphans Aid doesn’t just preserve the rich heritage of traditional crafts; it also offers many artisans a dignified way to support their families.”
Fair Labour Commitments
Orphan’s Aid Online takes great care in sourcing products that are fair trade and ethically made. Their main suppliers hail from Bangladesh, Africa, India, Nepal and Thailand.
A large portion of their items are handcrafted – preserving traditional skills and providing meaningful employment opportunities that empower individuals, provide for families and strengthen communities.
While they engage in direct trade with many of their suppliers, they also source through Trade Aid Imports, Fair Go and Bennetto Natural Foods, ensuring that the products they purchase meet the 10 Principles of the World Fair Trade Organisation.
Gender Equality Commitments
Additionally, Orphan Aid has a strong focus on supporting women and girls. One of their suppliers, Basha, provides a sustainable livelihood for women at risk and survivors of trafficking through handmade home goods. Women gain job skills and the opportunity to develop into leaders and entrepreneurs in a healthy, healing, supportive environment.
One of their other suppliers, Sari Bari, is an ethical fashion business that employs women who have been exploited in the sex trade or who are vulnerable to human trafficking. Women are trained as artisans to create handmade kantha products from recycled saris. Every purchase through Sari Bari gives women access to medical check ups, school support for their kids, health insurance and retirement benefits.
Giving Back
Orphan’s Aid International provides care, support, and sustainable solutions for orphans and vulnerable children in various countries. They focus on offering education, healthcare, and basic necessities, while also working to empower communities and reduce the number of children living in poverty or without family support.
Their online range provides funds for projects that care for children around the world.
Aside from purchasing products from their online store, they offer many different ways you can get involved in their work including purchasing gift cards to support specific projects, organising a fundraising event or making a bequest or gift through your Will.
Dive Deeper
Products
Accessories, homeware, coffee, kids & babies
Certifications and Memberships
World Fair Trade Organisation
