March 11th, 2010
MEND: who made your bag?
Have you ever met the person who made your bag? Thanks to MEND, I have. I didn’t meet her face to face, but I know her name. It’s Aber Rose. I know that she has a beautiful smile. I know that we both have a daughter named Mercy. And I know that because of MEND, this former child soldier is now providing a good life for herself and her children.
MEND, a subdivision of Invisible Children, employs women who have escaped lives of slavery by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda. With waning support for their seemingly endless war against the Ugandan government, the LRA resorted to abducting, brutalizing and training children to fight for them. At MEND, these courageous women are given sewing skills and a living wage. The means to start their new life.
With all of this do-gooding, it’s hard to imagine that the bags could also be fashionable and functional, but they absolutely are. I was complimented almost immediately when I took my MEND Cinch Bag out for its first spin around NYC. The colorful, contrasting print lining is a beautiful surprise and size is just right. Mine even went out to a Broadway show and then acted as a diaper bag the next day. The best part: each MEND bag has a personalized tag bearing the name of the seamstress who made your bag. 
When you get your bag, check the tag, then check out the website to read more about the special woman who is now on the mend because of your purchase.
Check out this video of the woman who made my bag! Aber Rose for MEND.







































This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Seiko provided the sample and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.






















