In February 2005, a group of
volunteers from a variety of different backgrounds and
professions conceived a vision. The group envisioned opening a
business that would be dedicated exclusively to providing relief
and resource to the poorest communities around the world. Ten
Thousand Villages emerged out of the hearts and convictions of a
community dedicated to creating just and sustainable solutions
to end poverty and exploitation.
In March 2006, after months of
events and sales, Ten Thousand Villages reached its initial
fundraising costs and began searching for a store front
location.
By May of 2006, Ten Thousand Villages secured the lease for the
current property on South Lake Avenue, one of the premier retail
areas in Los Angeles. With a team of over twenty people, we
renovated the entire store and built all of the furniture used
in the store. On July 14th, 2006, amid fanfare and
celebration, Ten Thousand Villages opened its doors to the world
forever.
