Since participating in its first
Christmas fair in 2009, ChangAi has continued this tradition
by joining various Christmas gift fairs held in Beijing
to raise funds and promote awareness of ChangAi. These
fairs exhibit arts, crafts and local products from NGOs
and artisans, as well as games and musical performances.
Table fees go to nonprofit organisations ranging from
Roundabout, a distribution store distributing donated
goods to people in need in Beijing and throughout China,
to an underprivileged community in Papua New Guinea.
Proceeds from the fairs go towards the annual children
day’s activities and creativity workshops organized
by ChangAi.
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In early 2008, ChangAi held a logo
design competition in one of the project villages. The
winning design by a 10-year-old girl was developed into
greeting cards and selected as ChangAi logo. These cards
can be purchased in a pack of 10 for US$15.
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The villages have a variety of
high quality local materials but few quality products
made from them. Our next step aims to raise villagers’
awareness of their own products and give them the know-how
to add value and turn them into marketable products
as a way to supplement their income.
“Ruili Hot” chili oil
Shuanshuanla, a type of chili native to the project
villages, is considered one of the hottest in China.
After several trials we found that the best recipe is
made with local tea tree oil. The next step is to bring
the hygiene standards to consistent and commercially
accepted level .
Jisongrong mushroom AgaricusBlazei,
better known in China as jisongrong, is a mushroom prized
for medicinal qualities. Originally from South America,
it is now cultivated throughout Yunnan. Our feasibility
study found that production would yield high profits
but require high initial investment, therefore would
be suitable once income level rises further.
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