The Loon Straits Soap Company Helps Heals Lake Winnipeg With Each Bar of Soap Sold

Sharon Monkman started The Loon Straits Soap Company three years ago.  It was borne out of a desire to do what she could for the ailing health of Lake Winnipeg.  Her father is a commercial fisherman, as was her grandfather and his father before him, so her roots run deep along the shores of Lake Winnipeg.  Sharon speaks more of this:  

"I became more aware of the amount of chemicals in our bath & cleaning products and felt that I needed to do something to try to stop the flow of such harmful substances into our Lake.  I began researching the art of soapmaking, and soon discovered how wonderful it was to create beautiful all natural bath products that were great for the skin and the environment!  I began using the herbs and flowers in my soaps that I was already growing in my gardens here in the country, and then began exploring the fields around my home, and around my parents' home at Loon Straits, finding amazing herbs and flowers to wildcraft and infuse in my soaps, salves, balms, & salts.  I had no idea how much the Earth provides for us for our own healing until I began this journey.

Now I make a wide range of all natural soaps, several different healing salves, bath salts, lip balms, linen waters, creams, and even laundry soap!  All are free of added chemicals & preservatives and contain no phosphates.  This endeavor has become my passion - one that I want to share with everyone I meet.  A portion of my profits are donated to the Lake Winnipeg Foundation - an organization dedicated to improving the health of Lake Winnipeg. 

You can find me at Pineridge Hollow Farmers' Market in the summer, as well as some of the Christmas craft sales in the winter.  I am hoping to launch my website in the next month or so, from which customers can purchase my products on line.  At present, customers just call me at my home number to order - 204 878 3691, or email me at loonstraitssoap@yahoo.ca"

Sharon has an amazing story and I will post her website here once it is up and running.  Until then feel free to contact her at the above number or email to purchase her Earth and especially Lake friendly body and cleaning products and help support an awesome cause.

Annual Spring Sale at the Red River Exhibition Hall is Looking For Vendors

This year's Annual Spring Sale at the Red River Exhibition Hall at the Assiniboia Downs will be held March 30-31, 2012 (Friday 10am – 8pm and Saturday 10am-8pm).

Paula Mohsen of Soko, the company arranging this sale, has told me that it will be a very fun sale.  "It is going to be a great show with a different twist.  We are really promoting the vendors at the exhibition by doing a treasure hunt and sending the public to different vendor’s booths.  As well, the door prizes are gift certificates to spend at the show and we are having entertainment for children and adults as well.  We want this to be focused on the vendors themselves.  So many shows focus on selling the booths, but we really are hoping to highlight each vendor.  We are also allowing people to share a booth so as to benefit the mom and pop crafters who may not be necessarily afford the cost of the booth."

It does sound like fun and their goal is to promote Manitoba's small businesses of all shapes and sizes.  :) If you have any questions or would like a vendor info pack contact Paula Mohsen at: thesokomarket@gmail.com or pmohsen@lulu-bel.com.