Helping Handles: Tote Bags 4 Refugees Fundraiser

Helping Handles: Tote Bags 4 Refugee Fundraiser is a series of tote bags made by Chicago artists to raise funds to get activated cell phones for asylum seekers arriving in Chicago.

Tote bags go for $28 - or you can donate your old phone in exchange for a tote bag of your choice!

Inspired by arts community mobilization efforts like the Bootlegs 4 Brandon project, Buddy has assembled 14 amazing artists to donate their artwork, which we’ve printed on bags that we’re releasing Aug 25 to meet the urgent needs of assylum seekers involuntarily bussed to our city. Help us help our new neighbors get oriented, communicate with family and friends, and thrive with us in our welcoming communities.

We worked with our local printmaking partners Hoofprint, Bear Wood Editions, FeelTrip Studios , Gabriel Enterprises to make tons of beautiful bags featuring artwork from artists Edra Soto, Seiya Abe-Bell, Haylie Jimenez, Laura Sofia, Salvador Jimenez-Flores, Liz Flores, Gucha Gucha, J.Itzel Velasquez, Marylu E. Herrera, Aram Sin-Fuentes, Joseph Mora, Jesse Malmed, Marcela Torres, and Sara Prado.

We will be holding an opening reception on August 25th, from 2-5pm at Buddy, as part of our Art 4 Sale program, a series of curated exhibitions dedicated to specific themes, artists, products, and organizations which rotate throughout the year. Tote bags will be available for purchase in-store and online.

Want to make an online donation or donate a phone at buddy? Find that info here.