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the tonic baile bag by arran evans

Pronounced Bal-ya, Baile is an Irish word meaning town - which is exactly where the functionality of the Baile Bag comes in handy. Created by designer Arran Evans, the Baile Bag Project reflects Arran’s and Tonic’s commitment to improving the lives of people around the globe. For this project, we sought a cause that reflects the global roots of this collaboration. Kiva.org is the perfect partner as it connects donors and entrepreneurs all over the world through 126 global micro-finance partners.

Constructed of machine washable woven cotton and certified Fair Trade and Fair Labor, the Baile Bag is an expandable tote that goes everywhere where you go. Stop on the way home to pick up a few groceries? No problem. The Baile Bag's gusset unzips to provide an extra four inches of handy space. Want to carry in your luggage as an extra travel bag? It rolls neatly into a pouch that fits into your briefcase or luggage. The smart design contains a unique bubble motif and comes in black.

our partner: arran evans

Irish multi-tasker Arran Evans brings her sharp eye for design and her passionate support for social justice together with this fun and innovative bag - created exclusively for Tonic. After finishing high school in Dublin, she spent a few years "finding her feet.” It wasn’t until she completed a foundation course at Parsons Paris (where she made the Dean's List for exceptional GPA) that she discovered — and fell in love with — product design. Classes at DIT in Dublin and the Art Centre in LA led to a full-time Product Design Bsc program at Kingston University; she’s currently living in the UK while finishing her final year. Evans recently won a design competition creating a corporate gift for Kingston University and is working toward manufacturing the product - and indication of the ambition that is sure to drive a full and exciting career.

your impact

 

20% of sales

 

 

 

20% of sales from the Baile Bag will go directly to support Kiva.org. Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. The organization is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs around the globe.


The people you see at Kiva.org are real individuals in need of funding. Kiva allows donors to browse entrepreneurs' profiles on its site, choosing someone to lend to and then making a loan to a real person. These loans help people make great strides towards economic independence and improving life for themselves, their families, and their communities. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), donors receive email journal updates and track repayments. Once paid, donors can reapply their original investment to new people and projects.

 

Adora Fajiculay (right) is a dressmaker in San Jose, Antique, Philippines who is growing her business to create employment opportunities in her town. Kiva provided her with an $825 loan that she has almost completely paid back. Adora is a great example of Kiva helping people to thrive all over the globe. Learn more about Adora here.


 

Comments (5)

Jessic Long

posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:15 PM

Now that is one ugly bag. Sorry, but the only reason I would buy this is for charity. But, since it seems wasteful to buy garbage when you could just donate to charity I guess I would just do that. Nice try though.

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Rebecca Goldstein

posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:44 PM

Hi Jessica,
Thanks for the feedback. We are really excited about the collaboration between Arran Evans and Kiva. We have one of the bags in our office and the photos do not do the justice!

Our hope is that every time a person uses this bag they think about how they are supporting people like Adora Fajiculay and helping her reach her dream of being a self-sustained dress maker.

I am happy to answer any questions or concerns about our collaborations - how the products are made or the organizations they support. You can contact me at rebecca [at] tonic [dot] com.

Thanks,
Rebecca

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Aubrey Slye

posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 4:13 PM

As a mother of a 1 year old, I can think of many things to do with this bag!!! I think it's a great way to create a useful, well made product while supporting a mission. Jessica, this is obviously NOT a clubbing bag - carry your elaine turner clutch for that, sweetie (DUH). But, it's a great bag to hold all of my child's STUFF and is still machine washable for when the formula spills!!! It would be awesome to take on trips, or just to the gym for a quick work out. It's a good size and is cheap! Bravo!

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Meg Williams

posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 6:34 PM

I was searching for gifts to give back to Kiva (my favorite organization) and came across this bag. LOVE it! What a great holiday present.

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Rachel Marks

posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:51 AM


Well firstly I would just like to say that the first comment written by Jessica Long is very much unnecessary. Why would somebody write such a thing about a bag that was made for charity? She must have absolutely nothing better to do with her quite obviously boring and uneventful life!

Secondly I think it's a great bag! The physical design, the font, the graphics- its all works great together and it's for such a good cause!
Thanks Kiva and Arran Evans!

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