Early Bird Tickets Available for Gems and Java

Wednesday, 11 March 2026 06:48

The event includes the Bags and Baubles Boutique, a silent auction, an Ethiopian merkato, and an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

WOODSTOCK - Gems and Java is about to take place, all in support of Hearts for Ethiopia.

The popular fundraiser will takeover Maranatha Christian Reformed Church on Saturday, April 18th from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The event features the Bags and Baubles boutique with a collection of gently used purses, jewellery and fashion scarves available for purchase. Founder Shelley Green says those who attend will walk away with something one-of-a-kind.

"So when you purchase a ticket, you have one item complimentary. We encourage people to continue to shop and make a suggestion that each piece would be purchased for no lower than a $5 donation."

The day will also include live jazz music and a silent auction. Green says you'll be able to experience a bit of Ethiopian culture as well.

"We also have an Ethiopian merkato, so it's marketplace with items that have been made by Ethiopian women. We also have an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which is very traditional and cultural in Ethiopia and my friends from the Ethiopian community in London will be there to do it."

She adds they will also have a presentation that highlights their three projects overseas; Tesfa's Shelter, Wellness for Women, and Prolapsed Uterus Surgeries.

"We are funding projects that life people up! That is so important because when you create dependency, those people will always need you, but if you can lift people up out of extreme poverty you can give them the means to support themselves."

Tickets for Gems and Java currently cost $60 each, but that will increase to $65 each on March 22nd. You can also purchase a table for eight people for $460 if you're planning on going with a group of friends. You can purchase your tickets through the Hearts for Ethiopia website online here.

Donations of gently used purses, jewellery and fashion scarves are also being accepted until March 18th in order to have them ready for this year's event. This is all part of the Closet Clean Out Challenge, and you can read more about that online here.

Shelley Green stopped by the Heart FM studio to chat with Dan and Marcie on Tuesday March 10th. You can listen to the full interview below: