Recently some kids in the West African nation of Ghana were fortunate enough to have some of our certified Fair Trade soccer balls hand-delivered to them by the good folks at The Office of Justice and Peace, Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The Office of Justice and Peace has been working hand-in-hand with Fair Trade LA to make this happen. Joan Harper's diligence and open-door policies that have allowed her to make Fair Trade LA a real coalition of like-minded individuals and organizations that work towards a common goal of Fair Trade.

The pictures we received of brothers Melvin and Kelvin Awiapo receiving their Fair Trade ball brought happy tears to my eyes. Every once in a while, it’s good to see the visual difference we are making in the lives of children living in remote, impoverished regions. Ghana and other countries have long been exploited by more wealthy nations and the time has come for us to amend the sins of our ancestors and contemporaries. This is a lofty goal, but when you see the joy on these kids' faces you can’t help but believe that it can be a reality.

Children like Melvin and Kelvin really do not know how bad they have it compared to other children in wealthier nations. Children in general are some of the happiest people on the planet and get by with what they have. They, more than anyone, are adept at making the most out of what they have on hand at the moment. That said; imagine their surprise at being given free soccer balls! No doubt they already have their own soccer balls—probably handed down from their older siblings or made themselves out of plastic bags—but these new balls bounce better, last longer, and bring with them a message of unity, Fair Trade, and respect.