Says Snow, "Kerala Crafts came into being after a holiday
in Kerala and witnessing the plight of many marginalized
people, particularly women."
The Vimala Centre itself is an important, positive presence
in its community, having helped over six thousand des-
titute women in the last fifty years. The Centre provides
not only daycare for children but for the elderly, Valsalya
Bhavan, a home for rescued girls aged between five and
sixteen, Adelaide Bhavan, an independent living facility
for older orphaned girls, a suicide prevention service and
subsidized educational courses with accommodation for
poor female students.
All profits from Kerala Crafts sales are channeled back
to India to provide financial support for Vimala's many
community projects and for its orphanages. Kerala Crafts
joyfully asserts on its website that "our artisans are happy
and work in a good environment, a far cry from the sweat-
shops associated with India." The women receive higher
than average wates with annual pay increases. Women
of all ages, castes and religions are welcomed. H
The Vimala
CenTre
5 Ivy Place,
Bath BA2 1AR
01225 319642
HYLAND
