Katie Bond, Laguna Beach local and founder of The Peace Exchange, will share stories from her recent visit to eastern Congo, where she worked one-on-one with the women artisans who have created a gorgeous line of fair trade items, from the Congo Carryall that acts as a grocery bag, beach bag, and handbag – with four exterior pockets for bottles of wine or water, to the yoga bag with an exterior zipper pocket to keep keys, ID, and phone safe while you do your down dog. And when someone asks where you got your gorgeous bag, napkins, or apron, you’ll be able to tell them stories of the change you’re helping make possible for women in Congo.

Through the sale of the beautifully crafted items the women make in Congo, The Peace Exchange provides needed employment for the talented women to use their craft to earn income to feed, clothe, and send their kids to school, helping to break the cycle of poverty in their communities. 

Come out to see and purchase new items, and have the opportunity to partner with the women of Congo when you give towards the sewing centers and making sustainable the work of The Peace Exchange.