12 November 2009

The Lavender Project Benefit

We held our first annual Lavender Project Benefit August 6th 2009 in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico at the fabulous Marsh estate.  Our goal was to raise U.S. $10,000 and we were practically on the mark, raising $10,200!

• We received a dedicated U.S. $1,300 dollars for the purchase of equipment and materials so that a group of women can make and market lavender honey and beeswax candles. This will be the fourth lavender related business that the community will develop.
• The remaining U.S. $9,100 was allocated toward:
  • Purchasing greenhouse tables, pots, and soil nutrients for rooting-out cuttings of lavender. The farmers hope that their nursery business will take off this year with the completion of their greenhouse this past spring.
  • Three new sewing machines for Las Azucenas (the sewing coop).
  • A year’s supply of essential oils and primary ingredients for making soap.
  • A sink and plumbing for the soap facility.
  • Tubing and drippers for another hectare of drip irrigation of lavender.
  • A micro loan fund for the farmers to be able to pay various community members to root-out lavender cuttings in their home and then sell them back to the farmers.  The farmers can then rapidly double or triple the number of hectares of lavender under cultivation, allowing all community members—even children—to participate in the profits.
  • Building a small store in the community center to sell lavender products

Thanks to all your generous support, we are implementing that old Chinese proverb of not giving a man a fish to eat for a day, but teaching him to fish so he can feed himself for a lifetime.  We will see you at the 2010 benefit!

Our grateful thanks,

St. Anthony’s Alliance