100% of the proceeds from the sale of our bags are donated

The story began when Gregg & Caroline Marston, founders of Shake Hands With the World, visited the Duc Son Orphanage in Hue, Vietnam in 2016. They were moved by what they saw and experienced and they wanted to find a way to give back. They decided to have sail bags manufactured by Vietnamese people needing work, sell the bags in the USA, then donate the full proceeds to the orphanage.

Sail bags providing
hope & support for children and young adults in need

These beautiful sail bags are hand sewn by a lovely couple in Saigon, Vietnam, providing them with meaningful work and much-needed income. Each bag is as unique as the sail from which it was made.

The material for these bags is used sailcloth recycled from a variety of boats. Our first “batch” of bags came from a very special, 36-foot sailboat built in 1965 named Ti, which is still a beloved family member.

Other well-traveled sailboats have also provided material, with the most recent sails coming from Querencia, our beautiful 44-foot Alden sloop built in 1978.

"Having traveled the world for many years, having observed much of the hardship and strife of today, and now understanding more about the American conflict in Vietnam in the 60s and 70s, it is very gratifying to give back to the children of this country. And through our Shake Hands With the World sail bags, we look to expand this support to other children and young adults in need around the globe." 

— Gregg Marston, Co-Founder

Our vision since 2017

At the inception of Shake Hands With the World in 2017, we had a goal of raising $15,000. Through the sale of our bags and along with some very generous contributions, we have raised just over $25,000 to date. As a result, we have been able to support several meaningful and significant efforts for the underprivileged children of Vietnam. As we continue to produce and sell bags, we will continue our vision to provide hope and help to those in need around the world.

Ongoing
Collaborations

We collaborate with local families and rely on established friendships to ensure the quality of our sail bags, the accountability of all donations, and the search for ways in which Shake Hands With the World can make a difference.

Please consider purchasing a sail bag.

You will indeed impact a deserving child in a positive way.