01 May The Story of Borneo Bags
Kiwi handbag enterprise helps semi-nomadic Borneo tribe – RNZ
Handwoven Penan Bags from Borneo Bags are amongst our best selling products. Many of you will have seen them on our shelves; many of you will own one. Not only are they utterly gorgeous and entirely unique, but proceeds from the sale of each Penan Bag go to a cause we very much want to continue to support.
We are in awe of New Zealander Jacky McLaren, who during 10 years teaching in Borneo became involved with the Penan, a semi-nomadic tribe in Borneo whose way of life has been disrupted by deforestation and palm oil plantations. (RNZ.) When she returned to New Zealand she set up Borneo Bags, helping to support the Penan women and their families.
It was a thrill to hear Jacky tell her fascinating story to Kathryn Ryan on Radio New Zealand recently. We encourage you to take a listen here:
Source: Borneo Bags