Macy’s Commemorates 10 Years of Rwanda Path to Peace Initiative
Rwandan weavers create special 10-year anniversary designs for sale
this fall and holiday
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–This fall, Macy’s (NYSE:M) is celebrating 10 years of its Rwanda Path to
Peace initiative, offering customers special commemorative designs to
honor the decade-long partnership. Originally launched in fall 2005, the
program affords an opportunity to create economic sustainability and
stability for the women weavers of Rwanda impacted by the country’s
civil war and genocide, and is now the longest-lasting program of its
kind.
“Macy’s Rwanda Path to Peace program was one of the first-ever
‘trade-not-aid’ efforts and is the longest-enduring, impacting thousands
of women throughout the country of Rwanda,” said Willa Shalit,
co-founder of the program. “This important initiative, in partnership
with the Rwandan weavers’ cooperative, Gahaya Links, has enabled women
in Rwanda to take care of essential human needs, send their children to
school, buy health insurance and malaria nets, and to help rebuild their
communities. We are so grateful to Macy’s and its customers who have
responded with open hearts, so that Americans can directly support peace
and prosperity from one continent to another.”
Macy’s Rwanda Path to Peace program brings the age-old art of Rwandan
basket weaving to customers in the United States, with product available
in select Macy’s stores and on macys.com. The vibrant colorful baskets
range from a classic 9-inch fruit bowl to a 16-inch large statement
piece, with retail prices ranging from $30 to $60.
“As an early and dedicated advocate for this program, I am so proud of
the decade of work we have been honored to do through our Rwanda Path to
Peace project,” said Terry J. Lundgren, chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc.
“Through this program, Hutu and Tutsi women, representing both sides of
a devastating genocide, have come together to weave baskets of peace.
From my first visit to Rwanda, my life was permanently changed by the
strength of the weavers I met – knowing what they have endured and all
they have taught us about courage, forgiveness and grace. I want to
thank our customers for continuing to support this effort and for
helping us make a difference in the world.”
Macy’s commemorated the anniversary with a special customer event at
Macy’s Herald Square in New York City on Oct. 20. The in-store
celebration featured live musical performances, traditional Rwandan food
and a ceremony honoring the women who made this project possible.
For more information about Macy’s Rwanda Path to Peace, visit
macys.com/Rwanda.
About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and
affordable luxury to customers at approximately 775 locations in 45
states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to
customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations
through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores,
e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive
assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion
brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®,
as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and
celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square
in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in
Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern
California — are known internationally and are leading destinations for
visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the
collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen
communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than
$69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our
customers.
For Macy’s media materials, including images and contacts, please visit
our online pressroom at macys.com/pressroom.
Contacts
Macy’s
Holly Thomas, 646-429-5250
holly.thomas@macys.com
