All it took was one day of selling at a craft show in Merritt to help improve the lives of women and communities in Africa.

On November 9, Merritt residents Kate Anderson and Morgan Ashbridge raised over $3,000 selling bracelets, necklaces, and earrings made from beads put together by Ugandan women.

“The bulk of the money raised goes to these women in Uganda,” said Ashbridge.

Beadforlife, an international program aimed at eradicating poverty, helps Ugandans sell their hand made paper jewelry across the world.

Proceeds help the Ugandan women, who live on as little as $1 a day, as well, Beadforlife carries out community development programs in Africa.

Entrepreneurial development, small business funding, vocational training for impoverished youth, creating affordable housing, and developing health programs are the primary programs that Beadforlife is involved in.

“Hopefully we can make a few changes in people’s lives,” said Ashbridge.

Ashbridge and Anderson raised $3,376 during a craft sale at the Merritt Civic Centre.

Most of the money raised from the sale of their jewelry goes back to the women and their communities. From $10, only 47 cents is spent on administration and fundraising. Approximately $2.50 of each sale goes directly to the women bead makers.