Myakka Magic

I feel blessed to have been happily married for over thirty years and to be one third of a very strong and loving family. Whilst we are luckier than many, money has never been one of the most abundant things in our lives. As children both LG and I were encouraged by our parents that you should save for those special little things in life. I have been saving for this little elephant cupboard for some time and the £20 I was so kindly given for my birthday yesterday (all the 5's!) meant that it now sits proudly in the corner of my lounge. It is hand carved in Indian Rosewood and is so beautiful. I purchased it from a local company, Myakka, just a few miles from where I live (their warehouse is an amazing place to spend an afternoon!) whose Fair trade products are delightful. Between Myakka and their main suppliers in India, Indonesia and Thailand they negotiate fair and proper prices. They pay for their furniture as each shipment sets sail, therefore no waiting , no cash flow issues and no financial juggling which means they play a huge part of the progress and growth. As a company they provide support both at home and abroad in many ways.

Based in Jodhpur, SKSN is a school for physically challenged children which now sits under the umbrella of the Indiability Foundation that exists to advance the integration of physically challenged people across India. Myakka is both developing trade links with and supports with annual donations for anything from shoes and socks to medical supplies.

2008
They donated £1,270 towards the running costs of the SKSN school dairy which provides essential milk and yogurt to the children.

2009
They donated £5,000 for clothing, medicine and equipment for the limb workshop. Myakka also bought the materials to build 70 new desks and benches and their furniture supplier kindly covered the cost of production. They commissioned new ranges of cushions and soft furnishings which were designed and produced for Myakka by the former students, ensuring their adult independence through fair trade work.

2010
They donated £5,700 towards shoes, medicines, toiletries and food for the children.

2011
Myakka donated £8,175 to cover all stationary for the school and support the Vocational Training Centre for the year. This enables children to learn needlecraft skills for their future independence and trade.

2012
They donated £14,500 to keep things singing along cheerfully at the Vocational Training Centre where many of their beautiful cushions are made. Some of the money also went to give the children smart new school uniforms. With extra support from their furniture suppliers, they stretched the budget to give every child a glass of milk every day during the cold winter months.

2013
This year, Myakka have donated over £8,500 to continue their support for the Vocational Training centre where an expanding range of cushions and throws are hand crafted exclusively for Myakka

The company also do amazing work in our local community. The Myakka Grassroots Fund is specifically aimed at supporting projects benefitting children and families within the South Somerset area.

..... not only do I now have an incredibly beautiful piece of furniture in my home but I feel I have contributed in some small way to help others less fortunate to secure a good start in life.

My Myakka money box now stands empty but not for long! Am now saving for two bedside cupboards for my newly decorated bedroom (summer project!!)