11 social enterprises to support this Christmas

Chia Sisters, Trade Aid and Frank Stationery are all Social Enterprises!

Social Procurement Advisor Julie Youngman takes a look at which of our Fwd certified suppliers can help with your Christmas shopping this year – whether that’s presents, food, DIY or your holiday wardrobe there a lots of impact driven businesses out there that deserve your Christmas dollar.

One of the few silver linings in a really tough year has got to be the movement to support local businesses. Social enterprises are some of the very best of Kiwi business because of the positive impact they make – that’s things like supporting community and whānau wellbeing, or diverting waste from landfill.

At Ākina, our Fwd programme certifies social enterprises from around Aotearoa that trade B2B (business-to-business) with over 100 products and services certified so far! The idea behind Fwd is social procurement, which is basically all about businesses deliberately choosing to buy products and services from social enterprises – knowing that their support also buys positive social, cultural or environmental impact.

Social procurement is a huge opportunity for big business and the Government to lead the way from the top and accelerate our economic recovery from Covid – but it’s also an idea you can incorporate into how you’re buying over the holiday period (and all the rest of the time).

The following incredible businesses are all Fwd certified suppliers and they can help with your Christmas shopping this year – whether that’s presents, food, DIY or your holiday wardrobe!

Cactus Outdoor

If you want outdoor gear that will last – or your neighbour needs a new BBQ shirt, Cactus Outdoor is where it’s at. Made here in NZ, Cactus Outdoor provides access to employment and training opportunities to new New Zealanders, helping them integrate while celebrating their culture. Grab an awesome present for the outdoor-loving people in your life (or for your dog - yes, they also sell pet accessories)!

Chia Sisters

Chia Sisters crafts nutritious, sustainable beverages in a solar powered juicery. Check out their Little Box of Sunshine, which is packed full of goodies from local businesses in sunny Nelson or give your loved ones a Chia Sisters gift card so they can choose for themselves.

The literal taste of summer, Chia products are made in New Zealand’s first solar powered juicery!

Common Good Coffee

Sustainably sourced, roasted right here in Aotearoa, 100% organic and fair trade - just some of the reasons why newly rebranded Common Good Coffee is a fave. Their profits are invested into community transformation. Common Good Coffee makes a great gift for coffee lovers or as a gift to yourself (cause Christmas is as good a time as any to treat yoself!)

Does what it says on the tin! Every cup powers goodness.

Ethos

Handwashing has never been more important! Ethos’ luxuriously handcrafted fair trade skincare and handwash is low-irritant and made from traditionally pressed coconut oil. And most importantly, it creates positive impact. Ethos’ profits go to sustainable development in Cambodia, supporting fair-wage employment and coconut trees replanting projects, which capture carbon and conserve soils.

Frank Stationery

Who else is ready to leave 2020 behind? ‘Making plans’ may not have been the theme of 2020 but maybe we’re all ready to make some plans again in 2021 and Frank Stationery’s diaries, planners, notebooks and journals can help with that. Their designs are so chic! And every purchase means a school exercise book is produced in-house and given to a child living in poverty in Aotearoa.

Liminal

Meri Kerihimete bunting, wooden baubles, a Christmas gift box… check out Liminals’ Christmas range as well as their standard range of apparel and totes. All of Liminal’s products are fair trade and clothes are made from organic cotton. Liminal creates better employment opportunities for women and families in Kolkata and all of their profits are reinvested into their communities.

Limber

As well as creating the world’s healthiest work desks, Limber have brought out a limited edition jewellery line, just in time for Christmas! Check out their exquisite collection of earrings, necklaces and pins - all made from surplus materials that were carefully saved from making other Limber products over the past years.

Natural Paint Co.

Anyone in your family have any home improvement projects planned over the Christmas break? DIY-loving mums and dads, I’m looking at you! Check out Natural Paint Co’s premium range of chemical-free interior and exterior paints and oils - NZ-made of course. All of their products are made from natural, vegan, palm oil free ingredients and can be safely composted at home or recycled.

Raglan Food Co.

Raglan Food Co’s makes a super yummy range of dairy-free yoghurt, which is vegan, nut free, gluten free, and probiotic. So even if you’re catering for people with food allergies this Christmas, Raglan Food Co has you covered. I encourage you to browse their website for some delicious recipe inspiration for Christmas treats that’ll wow the whole family. Did I hear anyone say vegan meringue with berry coulis? Salted caramel doughnuts? Blueberry tarts? Raglan Coconut yoghurt is super versatile!

Dial back the Christmas time dairy consumption with Raglan coconut yoghurt.

The ReCreators

The ReCreators make beautiful creations, including jewellery, kids toys, home decor and bags - gifts for old and young and everyone in between. The ReCreators promote upcycling, creativity and sustainability, and work with children and community.

Trade Aid

How do you describe a social enterprise that has been around for such a long time and has an amazing range of, well, everything? Everyone is probably familiar with Trade Aid. Their yummy chocolate, coffee, gift hampers, stationery and personal accessories, but also check out their Christmas products and recipe ideas, like these cute Christmas tree brownies.

And that’s not all!

There are heaps of other awesome social enterprises out there (including the amazing Fwd suppliers on last year’s ‘Presents with Purpose’ list) so have a look online for businesses that talk about their impact, or ask your friends and whānau about their favourite local businesses that also work to make things better in people’s lives and for our planet.

Get your social enterprise Fwd certified. We’re always on the lookout for more social enterprises to certify – so if you’re part of a business that trades with other businesses and exists specifically to create a positive impact, check out Fwd and get in touch to see if Fwd certification is right for you!