About Us
Just Cards Direct is an exciting new business that imports and sells handmade greetings cards from Africa and printed cards from around the world. We sell ‘just cards’ – meaning that we not only sell cards but also that through our sales we help to provide justice, dignity and hope for the poor. The business not only supports card makers at grass roots level, but also supports Christian charities in the developing world. Like any other business, we aim to make a profit, but we give that profit away, donating more than 25% of it to the charities that we support!
The business was established in February 2007 by a group of friends who have a heart for the poor and disadvantaged and a vision to make a difference.
We sell a wide range of high-quality hand-made cards from Rwanda and South Africa, plus printed cards from Australia and the UK.
Out of Africa!
We work in partnership with card-making projects in developing nations, helping to provide jobs, self-worth and security. We use fair-trade principles and in many cases these cards provide the only income to a widow or an orphan. In some small way, we hope to play our part in bringing hope to those who have been down-trodden, neglected and traumatised.
In regularly visit South Africa, Rwanda and Kenya, making many friends and establishing business relationships. In Rwanda we are supporting 2 different projects – one that employs young people who have been orphaned in the 1994 genocide (Cards from Africa), and another that supports widows.
In Kenya, we support Kipepeo Cards a project based in Kibera Slum and employing 16 women.
In South Africa we have started Karabo Card Project, an income generating project in Mamelodi Township, near Pretoria. Mamelodi is home to 1.5 million people, but many are unemployed and 25% are HIV positive. We employ those who would otherwise have little or no work and no means of feeding their families. The local people have named this project 'Karabo' - meaning 'answer' in the Pedi language - an answer to the cry of their hearts for help. We incorporate recycled paper and fizzy drinks cans into many of our designs.
In the UK
We have developed a beautiful range of printed cards, mostly using original artwork by Christian artist Jaquie Grace. Our printed Christmas Cards are designed by a range of designers.
Charities
We are keen to develop relationships with Christian charities, particularly those who work in the developing world. We offer charities 10% of any card sales that are bought by their own supporters, provided that the charity is registered with us. At the end of the payment stage on the website, there is an option for people to indicate which specific charity they would like to support. Please see the Charities page to view our linked charities.
Sales
We sell our cards through this website, at conferences, through individual traders and wholesale to various retail outlets. Please contact us for further information on wholesale prices.
With thanks
Finally, we would like to thank many people who have supported and helped us on this journey – in particular Ed Sneller (Red Rocket design), Jacqui Grace (designer), Andy Taylor (designer), Emily Lee (designer), Vicky Hammerstein (web designer, The Modbury Group), Jill Southern (Director of Ellel Ministries Pierrepont and the NETS Programme ) , Jan Ransom (Flame International), friends in Guildford, Desire Dalgleish and Karen Coertze in South Africa and Mal Austin in Australia. Without their help, we would not have come so far. Thank you!
Together, may we ‘loose the chains of injustice, untie the cords of the yoke and set the oppressed free.’ Isaiah 58:6
Anne Horrobin
Director
Just Cards Direct Ltd
