A different style statement
Lugging home the spoils of last Thursday’s Good Market was a little different for some. Hurrying to grab the last of some Polos Rotti 
after an evening of shopping or just strolling down the windy walkway many of the shoppers found themselves among models determined to not only showcase style but make a statement.
The young models walking among the crowd, showcasing casual styles included those living with HIV and those who identified themselves as transgender, embodying the ethos of the Grassrooted Trust which has since its inception worked towards the empowerment of those marginalized by society. “By marginalized we mean those who take drugs, those who sell sex, identify as transgender and those living with HIV,” said Director of the Trust Hans Billimoria.
Regulars at the Good Market who go there for the many homemade edibles can’t miss the killer ‘Chillie-Chocolate Cookie’ courtesy of Margie’s Kitchen. Interestingly Margie’s Kitchen is entirely run by the kind of people society 
doesn’t take kindly to. The Grassrooted stall which sells the deceptively spicy delicacy has now a new addition among its mish mash of mugs, post cards, improvised coffee tables – clothes racks.
Volunteering with the Trust Damitha Perera who has been involved in the London fashion scene hopes the clothing range that incorporates iconic Sri Lankan images will take Sri Lanka by storm and extend to the foreign market as well. Taking full advantage of the ever popular social media culture in Sri Lanka she says “people like getting their picture taken with nice clothes which makes fashion a good way to spread awareness.” Thursday, February 20 marked the launch of this new line of casual clothes and renewed efforts by the Trust to empower the marginalized and promote a more inclusive society.
Preaching independence and empowerment is something so deeply embedded in the Trust that they don’t 
“go around asking for donations” as Hans puts it. Director of the Trust Paba Deshapriya asserts “If you want to support our work, we don’t want a donation, buy one of our products.” This is why Margie’s Kitchen merely creates opportunities and like any other job, workers from a specific segment of society are hired. As Hans observes, “We can’t really empower the marginalized if we ourselves are dependent.” The business is structured in a way that leaves 80 percent of the profits made for the workers at Margie’s with the rest going back into the business and in the interest of transparency audits are available on request.
Among the fragrant stalls of home baked goodies, home grown veggies, fancy soaps and candles, Grassrooted can be found at the Good Market selling their unique brand of empowerment.
Grassrooted Trust’s Hans Billimoria