You knew we were a special corner of the internet… But there’s more to it than a lot of people realize. Some of our best jokes and ideas turn into products, which we sell to support Flaming Chalice International (FCI). We donate 100% of the profit all year long, and once a year we host a fundraiser in the UU Hysterical Society Facebook group and beyond.
Our products are a fun way to have your holiday humour shopping go towards a good cause.
What is FCI?
Flaming Chalice International (FCI) was created by a Tutsi man named Mwibutsa (Fulgence) Ndagijimana, after the 2015 political unrest in Burundi. It serves people of all cultural groups—Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, and others, working for a world where peace is real, opportunities are accessed, and needs are met.
Flaming Chalice is operated by Burundians, for Africans, building community across differences in ethnicity and religion. FCI listens to the needs of the people, and works with local partners to meet those needs. Given the violence that neighbours have experienced through the effects of colonialism, FCI is intentional about building community for all.
Our relationship
When Rev Mwibutsa (Fulgence) was unjustly imprisoned for the work of the Unitarian Church of Burundi, Unitarian Universalists from around the world came together to help secure his release. Once he made it safely to Canada as a refugee, he began working for those who were left behind.
In the early days of FCI, our tiny (at the time!) UUHS corner of the internet was instrumental in its refugee and development work…. Also, in those early days of the Hysterical Society, FCI was invaluable in helping us shape our identity and how we run our communities. Read more about our partnership, beginning here.
At the UUHS, we believe that the right way to approach complex problems is to find people who are from the communities in question and equip them with resources to enact home grown solutions.
It’s a good match then to support a group we’re already in relationship with, who are doing just that.
To support FCI by buying our UUHS merch, click here (remember, 100% of the profit goes to FCI year round).
To donate to FCI directly, click here (scroll down if donating in the US).
#uuhsHolidayFundraiser
