One of the main reasons for locating a weaving atelier to south Ukraine has been to offer work possibilities to women in this poor rural Ukrainian region.
The Ukrainian weavers are often the main breadwinners in their households, supporting their whole family. In addition to empowering the women by offering these women a chance to learn a trade/craft their work at Vandra Rugs also enables them to send their children to universities, pay for medical treatments and day to day life. Working for a company exporting to the west also gives them access and exposure to new cultures. Currently some 30 weavers are involved in production and the atelier has become one of the regions most important exporters to the West.
Weaving courses and workshops have been organised in the Ukraine where some of the most experienced Swedish weavers have been teaching. The Ukrainian weavers have come to Sweden staying with the Swedish weavers for weeks until getting proficient and excelling in the craft. Swedish handlooms have been brought down to the Ukraine until the Ukrainians themselves learnt how to build and refine them.
Charity Auctions
Vandra Rugs has initiated and in collaboration with one of Scandinavians main auction houses, Bukowskis, organized charity auctions of unique designer rugs made with recycled material where all proceeds have been donated by Vandra Rugs and the designers to World Childhood Foundation. The World Childhood foundation focuses on helping children in need.
Charity rug
Vandra Rugs has designed, produced and is in collaboration with Svenskt Tenn selling at a discount price a special multicoloured striped CHILDHOOD rug where approximate 12% of proceeds are donated to World Childhood Foundation. The World Childhood foundation focuses in helping children in need. The rug can exclusively be bought through Svenkt Tenn or Vandra Rugs.