By Lauri Lee
Northside News

James Ferrett, a long-time resident of Madison’s Northside, runs a local nonprofit, Ethical Trade Co (ETCo), that financially empowers artisans and farmers around the world to break free from poverty and exploitation. When war broke out in Ukraine Ferrett knew how this would put Ukrainian women at risk and looked for ways to use the mission of ETCo to practically stand with Ukraine and empower people there.

Ukraine has been at the heart of Ferrett’s work for a good reason. In February 2023, he traveled to Moldova and Poland, thencrossed over the border into Ukraine for a few hours. He got glimpse of the dire conditions faced by refugees from Ukraine. During the trip to the region, he worked with Ukrainian refugees in three different regions of Poland. He realized the pressing need for a shift from short-term relief efforts to long-term development, a sustainable solution to the enduring challenges faced by the Ukrainian population.

Ferrett, originally from England, has made it his mission to address the dire situation in Ukraine, where 15 million refugees are struggling to survive. Out of this staggering number, 8 million are located in Europe, with 5.4 million internally displaced refugees. Shockingly, 90% of these refugees are women and children, while most of the men are engaged in the ongoing conflict. A significant 58% of these refugees have been displaced for more than six months, highlighting the long-term nature of this humanitarian crisis.

While ETCo’s initial efforts focused on relief, Ferrett soon recognized that long-term trade and business initiatives were essential to alleviate poverty and reduce exploitation. A lack of employment opportunities, education, and economic understanding has led to a 22.4% increase in poverty in Ukraine in 2022, further exacerbating the exploitation of vulnerable women and children.

To address these pressing issues, Ferrett set out to find a partner in the Ukraine who shared his commitment to making a difference there. He found a remarkable partner in Creating Comfort Lab, a Ukrainian-based business that specializes in crafting traditional Ukrainian stoneware. This unique enterprise donates a significant 40% of its profits to support Ukrainian relief efforts in the country. Creating Comfort Lab employs 12 artisan families in two towns in Ukraine, providing them with sustainable income and preserving traditional techniques and craftsmanship. By supporting these artisans, the likelihood of their exploitation diminishes, allowing them to continue to speak their native language and maintain their cultural heritage.

The commitment of Creating Comfort Lab extends beyond philanthropy; it’s a long-term strategy to empower Ukrainian artisan families and refugees. Their products, crafted using traditional methods, have a dual purpose: they are both functional and beautifully designed, making them items that people use daily. As far as Ferrett could ascertain, Creating Comfort Lab is the only exporter of Ukrainian tableware to the United States.

In Madison, Creating Comfort Lab’s exquisite tableware is available at the Ethical Trade store, which is located at the East Moreland Community Center on 3565 Tulane Ave. For those who wish to support the cause, orders for these unique stoneware sets can be placed, although the process takes 8–12 weeks due to the conditions in Ukraine, such as blackouts. Additionally, porcelain ornaments are available for purchase. Ethical Trade offers an online platform where consumers from all over the United States can order these products.

Ferrett, co-founder of ETCo, urges everyone to get involved and make a difference. Donations to support Ukraine-based efforts can be made through their website,
ethicaltradeco.com. The contributions will directly impact the lives of those in need in Ukraine. All the products can be seen at
ethicaltradeco.com/collections/ukrainian.

Ferrett’s commitment and ETCo’s partnership with Creating Comfort Lab is not just a short-term effort; it’s a long-term strategy to support Ukraine. This initiative aims to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation, providing hope for a brighter future for the refugees in Ukraine. As the nonprofit continues to shine a light on the dire situation in Ukraine, they invite everyone to join in this mission. By supporting the purchase of Creating Comfort Lab’s traditional Ukrainian stoneware, people across the United States can play a vital role in improving the lives of Ukrainian refugees, ensuring that they have the sustainable income they need to rebuild their lives.

The global community, particularly consumers in Madison, has a responsibility to help alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable in Ukraine. By purchasing products from Creating Comfort Lab through ETCo, you are not only acquiring beautifully crafted stoneware but also contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for Ukraine and its refugees.

In a world filled with challenges and crises, Ferrett and ETCo remind us that we all have a role to play in making a difference, even from thousands of miles away. Their work stands as a testament to the power of compassion and the belief that small actions can have a monumental impact on the lives of those in need. Together, let us support Ukraine and stand against the exploitation of women and children, ensuring a brighter future for all.