Welcome to the landing page for social enterprises of The Intersection: Fair Trade. We're glad you're here! The Intersection was started with the desire to change the way we approach aid, by partnering with talented artisans in ethical business as opposed to giving hand outs. Our goal was to provide dignified jobs and income for artisans' families, and to see community development in a new way. As we learned more about human trafficking and exploitation that is rampant in our world, The Intersection began to focus on supporting those that had been impacted by exploitation. We believe it is important not only to support our partners overseas, but to work with organizations and support survivors right here in our own city. We have created a job training and job creation branch of The Intersection, aimed at providing safe space and opportunity for those in need to learn skills that can help them gain a safe job. We have consulted and collaborated with different organizations in the Lower Mainland to launch and move forward with this endeavor. Each branch of The Intersection has opportunity to participate in and facilitate our job training and creation program. These branches include The Intersection Printing, Willow & Oak Candles, Your Story Coffee and The Intersection Retail. Learn more about each branch and how you can get involved below.
The Intersection Printing was the first stream in our vocation training program, and represents the beginning of a dream for a full Vocation Training Center. We began our vocation training in 2021, and the printing stream was followed closely with the addition of our candle making stream. Our program allows participants to gain soft and hard skills in each of our streams, creating a safe space to learn and grow. Upon completion of our training programs, our goal is help participants gain safe jobs either within our organization, or with local partners. We believe that safe and sustainable jobs are one of the most effective ways to prevent re-exploitation, and we are committed to helping our participants re-enter the work force in a safe way.
Each of our job creation branches within The Intersection also provide the opportunity for us to partner with people in our community. Along with our retail offerings, we offer customizable options through each branch. The Intersection Printing provides the opportunity for you to custom print merch and apparel for every occasion. Whether you are a church, business, friend group or any other, we would love to hook you up with ethically made apparel, custom printed for you. Willow & Oak Candles provides you with the opportunity to customize a scent and label for your needs. We offer different customizable sizes, price points and vessels to ensure your custom candles are everything that you hope for... and more! Your Story Coffee would love to pop up at your next event. Packages are customizable to fit any and all of your caffeine needs.
Purchase
There are many ways to support our social enterprises here at The Intersection. You can place orders with our Intersection Printing, and Willow & Oak Candle Co. Each purchase makes a tangible difference in providing safe jobs locally. You can book Your Story Coffee for your next event, or visit us wherever the Coffee Caravan pops up! If You have ever purchased products from us, placed a custom order with us, or had our coffee, we would love for you to share about your experience on social media and with your friends and family!
Interact
We are moving towards more interactive experiences with each of our social enterprises. We have launched candle making classes (featuring coffee from Your Story Coffee), on demand screen printing experiences, and events with Your Story Coffee. You can learn more about our work through each of these interactive experiences, and support growing enterprises.
Volunteer
The Intersection has many areas where we can use a helping hand! From everyday tasks to specialized roles, we can always use a hand.
There are many ways to support our social enterprises here at The Intersection. You can place orders with our Intersection Printing, and Willow & Oak Candle Co. Each purchase makes a tangible difference in providing safe jobs locally. You can book Your Story Coffee for your next event, or visit us wherever the Coffee Caravan pops up! If You have ever purchased products from us, placed a custom order with us, or had our coffee, we would love for you to share about your experience on social media and with your friends and family!
Interact
We are moving towards more interactive experiences with each of our social enterprises. We have launched candle making classes (featuring coffee from Your Story Coffee), on demand screen printing experiences, and events with Your Story Coffee. You can learn more about our work through each of these interactive experiences, and support growing enterprises.
Volunteer
The Intersection has many areas where we can use a helping hand! From everyday tasks to specialized roles, we can always use a hand.
It is our deep desire to form and grow partnerships with local like-minded organizations.