I used to love to check out the
pulgas (flea markets) in and around Puerto Plata and would regularly buy used clothing from the
pulgas ambulantes as well (chopa!). I never gave much thought to where these clothes came from and felt *weird* upon finding out that these goods were originally donated to American charities to be distributed to poor Haitians. It didn't feel right to be paying money for goods that were never intended to be sold for profit...But upon further reflection, and upon seeing how many Dominicans run these types of
negocitos, I think that initial reaction of mine was just plain naive.
After searching through the piles and piles of clothes I often found real "gems"; brand names such as Anne Klein, Donna Karan, Gap, etc. What good are upscale, expensive, fashionable clothes to people who are in greater need of food, water and money? Even Americans' cast-off clothing is too upscale for people in such dire need.
If you look at it this way you will see that it's a win-win-win situation:
- The intended recipient of the charity makes money on the charity item in order to obtain things that are *really* needed.
- The Dominican entrepreneur is able to run a small, but profitable trade on the items, which is probably her/his only source of income.
- The average person is able to buy quality clothing at an affordable price.
Win. Win. Win.