We are lucky to be part of a creative and caring community and have been inspired by the commitment and efforts in our community to see racism and learn how to eliminate it. On behalf of the whole Fabric Spark team, we believe Black Lives Matter and we support equal rights, equal treatment and equal access to resources and markets. We want to be accountable.
Funding - Update
We know that resources can make a difference so we're focusing our giving on programs that target black, racialized and indigenous youth
We donated 10% of sales from June 13th – 30th to The Black Solidarity Fund through Canada Helps. There was a matching grant until July 31 from P&G Canada doubling donations up to $1 million. The Fund supports over 40 organizations that are advancing social services, economic opportunities, mental health supports, advocacy efforts, and access to education for Black Canadians.
In July, we are donating 10% of our sales on Newsletter days to the Urban Native Youth Association in Vancouver.
In August, we are donating 10% of our sales on Newsletter days to the Black Youth Helpline.
We're also participating with Happy Sew Lucky and several other retail shops in the US, UK and Australia selling the "Sew Like A Boss" sticker. All of the proceeds from the sale of the sticker are being donated to the Social Justice Sewing Academy to support their Quilts of Remembrance initiative.
Learning – We are on a learning curve, no question. We are sharing what we’ve found with each other and welcome suggestions from you. We’re reading, watching, listening and looking for understanding. It’s a process and we’re going to be going through it for some time. We are also trying to specifically include a deeper understanding of First Nations life in Canada, which has paralleled the Black experience in some ways and is also completely unique. We welcome any suggestions to be better informed on that community and how we can be part of positive change.
Evaluating our Business -
Purchasing - We are looking at our whole supply chain. We’re in the process of developing a questionnaire for the companies we buy from in Canada and abroad. We are specifically looking at values, hiring practices, and representation in their product development.
Staffing - We are committed to maintaining a hiring process that provides equal access to work opportunities whether they be retail, teaching, or consulting. We focus on skills, talent and shared values in our hiring decisions.
If you have questions or suggestions, please let us know at info@fabricspark.com
Sewists Unite!