By Lauren Halligan, lhalligan@digitalfirstmedia.com, @LaurenTheRecord on Twitter

SARATOGA SPRINGS>> A local group is hoping to set the trend of holiday shopping with a conscience, by offering Fair Trade goods in one convenient location.

The Bosnian Handcraft Project of New Life Fellowship church in Saratoga Springs is hosting the first ever Saratoga Fair Trade Market Expo, just in time for the holidays. The shopping event will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Saratoga Springs at Universal Preservation Hall, located at 25 Washington St.

This expo will support people and businesses from the U.S. and around the world that practice Fair Trade principles, such as fair wages and conditions for workers. Buying Fair Trade helps farmers and artisans build sustainable businesses that feed families and positively influence their communities.

This is a convenient way to purchase unique hand crafted gifts for Christmas while supporting businesses and projects that allow people a chance to make an honorable living.

The Bosnian Handcraft Project is a partnership between churches in the U.S. and Bosnia-Hezegovina which t helps Bosnian women in need provide for their families. “In the ten years that I have been involved with the Bosnian Handcraft Project it has been a joy to see the women rise up out of poverty and change the lives of their families. I am so excited to be bringing businesses that are passionate about changing lives through fair trade together for the expo,” said Mary Jo Kowalewski of the local chapter of the effort.

Products from around the globe will be available for purchase, from countries including the U.S., Bosnia, East Africa, China, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Nepal, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Cambodia, Haiti, South Africa and Guatemala.

Both non-profit and for profit businesses are represented, but all practice fair trade principles.

There are 14 vendors expected to sell, which are Mango Tree Imports, Ben & Jerry’s, Healthy Living Market, Seeds for Peace, AOET-Uganda, The Giving Circle, Drilling For Hope, The Bosnian Handcraft Project from Saratoga Springs, Mayan Hands, Tender Quilt, Women’s Peace Collection, Cross Culture Market, Fair Trade Connections, and Choices for Growth.

Items for purchase will include handbags, slippers, jewelry, hats, gloves, scarves, table linens, soaps, American Girl Doll clothing, home goods, hair accessories, quilts, tote bags, children’s toys, sweaters, ice cream, chocolate, books and kid’s clothes.

For more information about the event call 527-4597.

Lauren Halligan may be reached at 290-1443.