RETURN TO SENDER
2006-2008, worldwide
A sustainable concept which offers a market opportunity in the Netherlands to producers from developing countries.
Original concept: Katja Schuurman
Founding Fathers:Achmea, HEMA, Butterfly Works
‘Return to Sender’ selects manufacturers in developing countries, and in conjunction with the HEMA, ensures a market for their products in The Netherlands.
The resulting profits are then channeled back to the region of origin by means of projects designed to improve the local economy. ‘Return to Sender’, also a related television program presented by Katja Schuurman, provides a showcase and familiarizes the viewers with the source and background of these special products.
Thanks to its background and expertise, Butterfly Works has become both the 'founding father' and the backbone of many facets of the project called ‘Return to Sender’. From 2006 till 2008 Butterfly Works was responsible not only for co-coordinating and selecting the participating countries and partners in the production process, but also for managing both profit expenditure and the follow-up for those involved locally. Input in regard to the content of the TV Program ‘Return to Sender’ - broadcasted by Net5 - is also supplied by Butterfly Works. From 2009 Janneke Monkhorst is the director of Return to Sender along with Marije Schasfort (Pr and Marketing).
While travelling in India, I was touched by the beauty of the country, especially by the people and the materials they used to create things. I’ve always wanted to do something in development cooperation and there it hit me. I could help create a market in the Netherlands for these beautiful things and make sure the money returned to its owner in the process. It would be a win win situation. --- Katja Schuurman, Dutch TV celebrity and founder of Return to SenderBrowse through quotes
