Masks, cellulars, and flowers

Today is a pretty busy day and it's almost an all BNI W.I.T. day. I met with Guy from Cellular Solutions. We talked cell phones, poker, blackberries, etc. He can get the latest greatest in wireless products and he gets them before they hit the market in North America by importing them directly from Europe and the Middle East (Dubai).

Later on I need to meet with Peter from Westmount Florists

The most interesting place I visited is a place called Masks etc I spoke to one of the owners/partners named Basil who is also in my BNI group. Upon entering, I was stunned at the sheer beauty and volume of the artifacts in the place. It's an impressive display of masks, weapons, furniture, etc all with an African theme.

Basil is a passionate dealer of these products and seems familiar with each individual item (and there are hundreds if not thousands), the history, the cultural significance, the tribe that produced it, and the country where it originates. Personally, I believe each piece should come with a certificate of authenticity supplied by Masks ETC Basil himself I believe is, can, or should be qualified to sign the certificate.

There are those who would question the ethics of what Basil does without understanding what it is that he does. He imports art from different parts of Africa to resell all around the world. His efforts directly support 500+ families in Africa who otherwise would have few other ways to make a living, and I applaud him for it.

When I spoke to him, you can sense his passion for Africa and for Africans. He himself is South African and left for practical personal reasons, apartheid being one of them. One of his proudest traditions is the humanitarian aid he has helped to organize to benefit orphans in Africa. There is a genuine thrill when he speaks of the crates that are packed and shipped off with donated goods to help Africans.

If you are looking to add a bit of African culture to your decorating theme, think of Masks ETC- their contact information is below.

Masks-Etc.
African Art & Artisinat
514 636 8422
support@masks-etc.com
www.masks-etc.com