Imagine paying around $10 to get a beautiful handmade product, but also giving to people in need around the world. In the past few years, many foundations have started making and selling unique bracelets made by artisans from all over the world. However, these bracelets are also raising millions of dollars for numerous charities across the globe. Some high earning charities that are featured in the media include companies such as PuraVida Bracelets and Me to We.

PuraVida Bracelets began its journey back in 2010 when Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman took a college trip to Costa Rica where they met two artisans, Jorge and Joaquin, who were living in poverty. After Thall and Goodman saw that the Jorge and Joaquin were living in such poor conditions, they saw the variety of bracelets which “captured the essence of their journey”. When they saw this, Thall and Goodman asked the two to make them 400 bracelets to take home with them. Once Thall and Goodman returned from their trip and put them up for sale, they sold out rapidly.

Each one is individually handmade and unique to its owner. They eventually started a partnership where artisans all over the world create original bracelets to sell. This managed to give full-time jobs to over 100 people. The bracelets being sold have helped donate over $1.5 million to different causes and the foundation has partnered with over 190 charities. All of the work of these employees has impacted their own lives and helped change the lives of many others.

“I really like them because they support charity and give people jobs,” Junior Marydeth Feits said.

Me to We is a social enterprise that strives to inspire, volunteer and give back to many people in need. Me to We does more than just sell products, they help bring awareness to issues such as poverty, starvation and homelessness. Every time a bracelet is purchased, a life is changed and resources are given to children and adults. Every bracelet is handmade by women in Kenya, therefore supporting fair trade. Every bracelet that a Kenyan woman creates gives her more opportunities as she earns a better life.

These foundations support many causes that help those in need across the globe by simply making bracelets. Each founder has their own story which has led to the creation of a change to many. Jobs have been given, charities are receiving new partners and money is being raised for the better. The people that are creating these bracelets have put their full attention and effort to make these original pieces that anyone can purchase. They are changing the lives of others one bracelet at a time.