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Monday, January 23, 2006
Just Garments needs your help
The following is a letter from Just Garments asking for support to assist them in getting through a difficult time. Since 2003, CRISPAZ has supported Just Garments in their struggle to transform a free trade zone factory that once exploited its workers into what has become a budding example of an alternative, fair trade production model.
Dear Friends:
Many of you are aware of Just Garments' financial difficulties and know that the situation has become extremely critical in the past two weeks. This note is a brief update on our situation together with suggestions of how you can help us to save this important project. If our situation does not improve we may have very little time to act, so please take a moment to read this letter today.
We would like to thank everyone who donated to our holiday campaign. From mid-December to mid-January we raised $19,000, which provided part of the workers' salaries as well as their holiday bonuses and a small holiday party. Thanks to all of these efforts, the workers returned to work in January in very high spirits. While this money was essential, unfortunately it was not enough to cover our larger outstanding debts, the most urgent of these being past due rent. On January 16, the building owner cut the electricity demanding that three months rent ($12,000) is paid before the electricity would be reconnected. We are working to negotiate an arrangement with him, but we are also trying to secure donations for the rent due. The loss of electricity has been devastating and has made it difficult to meet our current production deadlines-some of which are coming from Superior Uniform Group after pressure was placed on their company.
This situation has led us to seriously consider the possibility of closing the factory. The STIT union that represents the workers feels that the financial and emotional costs for the workers are taking their toll. However, our circle of international supporters has responded strongly to this news asking for the opportunity to help raise the funds not only to keep the factory doors open, but to help the factory to gain financial stability.
What can we do to avoid the closure of Just Garments?
Our time is short and we must act fast. In order to keep the doors of Just Garments open we have the following suggestions.
2. Invest in the Beta Test. We have developed a business plan that would help Just Garments to reach financial sustainability. The plan would allow us to distribute a large quantity of t-shirts from the US and provide "sweat free" consumers with a quality Just Garments t-shirt at a competitive price. In order to put the Beta Test into action, we need to raise $120,000. This money could be collected through donations or long-term, low-interest loans.
To read the details of this proposal, visit our website: http://www.justgarments.net/support/support.htm.
3. Sponsor a Beta Test Mini Campaign. Given that many of our supporters cannot commit to the full $120,000, we are looking for ten individuals, organizations, schools, churches, etc. that would commit to taking on one 1/10th of this amount. These "sponsors" would not commit to giving the money themselves, but to talking to major donors and doing grassroots fundraising to raise $12,000. We already have two potential sponsors in two cities in the U.S. and invite you to join them in their efforts!
4. Identify a lender or investor. If you know of an organization or lending institution that might be able to fund the Beta Test, please let us know. In order to guarantee that the factory stays operational we have also considered selling a portion of the company's shares. If you know of a possible investor, please send us the information so that we can follow up with the contact.
We cannot emphasize enough the urgency of your support. Please carefully consider our appeal and if you feel that you can support this effort in any way, contact us immediately. If you have further questions please let us know!
We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your on-going solidarity and support,
Gilberto Garcia
Worker Representative to the Board of Just Garments
Contact Information:
info@justgarments.net, Gilberto.garcia@justgarments.net, tel: +503-7810-9342 (Spanish) or +503-7208-7295 (English)See Spanish version
