27January2010
The Family Planning Clinic that St. Anthony’s works with in Fond des Blancs, Haiti was not directly affected by the earthquake on January 12, 2010. However, the area has been indirectly affected by the close of commerce; nothing is going in or out of the area currently. Moreover, many relatives of people living in Fond des Blancs were injured, and some were killed. Sarah Hackett was evacuated from Fond des Blancs by Partners in Health shortly after the earthquake to ensure her safety. She is planning on returning soon. Our prayers go out to the people of Haiti.
12November2009
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
25May2009
Yesterday, Patricia Herrera paid for her water meter. Ordinarily paying for a water meter wouldn’t be newsworthy, but for Patricia the $70 she had just earned as her part of the proceeds from the weekend sale of natural handmade soaps produced by The Lavender Project was the largest sum of money she had ever held in her hands at one time.
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