Archive for December, 2010

Christmas Greetings From Cameroon

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

cameroon national day 1

Happy Christmas all!

We’ve had a fulfilling year at Area 3, the charity aspect of Chicago-based event design company Catalyst Exhibits.

But, before we sign off for Christmas, we thought we’d finish up with a last minute update from the good people at GMM Africa, which has been doing excellent work in bringing education to many, deprived children in Cameroon.

Tomorrow, December 22nd, they will be having their own Christmas party – just without the sub-zero conditions we’ll be having. Read the rest of this entry »


Trash Fashion Hits Chicago

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

moda esperenza chicago boxes arriveThe charity, Moda Esperanza, which has made a real splash by transforming the humble pop tabs from soda cans into hip fashion accessories is going from strength to strength.

We’re happy to report that the first boxes of finished products – made using pop-tabs sent from Chicago – have landed back in Chicago.

What were once thousands of pop tabs destined for a trash heap are now stunning handbags, belts and other accessories designed for teens looking for something you will just not find in the local mall. Read the rest of this entry »


Pop-Tabs For Fashion Pouring In

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

moda esperenza tab boxesTurning the humble tabs from soda drinks into fashionable items is not just clever and creative, it’s also a lifeline for those working with charity Moda Esperanza.

The group, which was originally set up to give financial support to single women and mothers in Honduras through the creation of fashion accessories from pop tabs that would have ended up in the trash, is going from strength to strength. Through Area 3, the charity aspect of us here at Catalyst Exhibits, we’ve been helping with their recent drive in the US market by creating posters and another marketing material to raise awareness.

Collecting pop tabs has been a large part of that drive and we’re happy to report that….

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Charity Supports Computers For Cameroon’s Kids

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

jinkfuin computer kidsEducating children in Cameroon is not easy and despite the good intentions of the government, there is a great lack of resources and trained staff.

At Catalyst Exhibits, we’ve been helping GMMAfrica provide a vital educational service, by funding motorbikes that get teachers to remote villages and also raise money as taxis to better fund the education services they offer to a large number of under privileged children that have nowhere else to turn.

Teh Francis, in his regular updates, has been letting us know what’s been happening there.

“I promised to send across some photos to help update you on the work going on here. We love doing it this way because your contributions have helped spark off so many activities that have a  huge impact on the lives of very needy children. Your first donation and the one you worked out through Bekins Moving company have acted as a catalyst for several success stories as we work with the children. I told you last time about the number of children we helped at the elementary school in Jinkfuin village, and then with money raised from the motorbike taxis we continue to help more children……”

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