The article “Give a Gift and Benefit a Charity” in Tuesday’s New York Times recommended a few holiday gifts “that will please more than just the recipient,” including  Ajiri Tea, a company founded by Sara Holby ’08 and her mother, Ann. Ajri’s packaging is made by hand by women in the Kisii area of Kenya, where Sara volunteered while a student at Bowdoin. Through a spin-off non-profit foundation, Ajiri’s tea income returns to Kisii to employ those women and to pay for the education of village children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

In addition to its philanthropy, two-year-old Ajiri has won recognition for its taste and it’s container, taking top honors in the Black Tea category at the 2011 North American Tea Championships; the Buyer’s Choice Award at the World Tea Expo for Best Black Tea; a Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation Gold Award for Innovation in Packaging Design; and the 2010 Best New Product Award for Packaging at the World Tea Expo.