We at beijingkids love our purses, bags, and satchels. I have several bags at home. Ok, actually it’s an extensive bag collection. While my husband does not agree with my treasured collection, some of these bags are for charitable causes, and those are my most valued. Some of these include a beautiful bag from Yoganda providing widowed Ugandan women with valuable work experience, a Wayuu Mochilla bag benefiting women in Colombia, and a Love and Hope purse from a migrant school in Shunyi.
When I recently saw a dear friend with an eye popping bag, I immediately needed to know where she found it. She told me at a recent market, and that it was made by Springsations a social enterprise working with single moms in Beijing. We at beijingkids wanted to know more, as supporting these families in a difficult situation while buying bags is one of the best ideas ever.
Springsations started as a work program where moms and other women could gain training and find employment suitable to their skills and aspirations. A former employee of theirs came for help when just three months pregnant, and from this Springsations then decided to turn this wonderful place into a safe space for mothers who have been rejected by their families. Springsations now also has a shelter for single mothers and their young children.
Munchkinland is the space for the kids where they learn to read, write, and play while the mothers work. “It’s a place where dreams come true and lifetime friendships are made. There’s fun, games, songs, dancing, and toys galore, but most of all, lots of love.” Having a safe space for the children is such a relief for the mothers working on these outrageously cool satchels.
The owner explained “Springsations is more than a bag company; it is hope for the future to those who come to work here. When workers come to work at Springsations, they start with the basic cutting, and taping. They do some of the basic chores, like cleaning or running errands until they get to know us and start to share their gifts and talents with us, and then we look for jobs that fit their personality, gifts, and abilities and then provide training. At Springsations, we recognize that everyone who walks through our door has gifts, talents, and special things they can bring to the table”
The bags are well made, and sturdy with very happy and colorful fabrics. The designs are versatile and there is a size suitable for a variety needs. These bags are great for shopping, traveling, and even diapers. I for one am very excited to get my hands on a fashionable new bag from this company (don’t tell my husband), while doing some good in the process. For more information, visit their website www.springsations.com.
Photos: Courtesy of Springsations
This article originally appeared on p 15 of beijingkids August 2017 issue.Download the digital copy here.
