Well, I guess this blog is the ceremonial first seedling of our Guatemala Project as I can announce we have formally commenced our fundraising efforts and dubbed the program the “Seeds of Tomorrow Project”. As of this morning the donation pages administered by Impact Ministries are up and you will be able to receive a government tax receipt for your generous donation (US Donations * / Canadian Donations *) and remember to select “Seeds of Tomorrow Project” in the drop down menu to ensure the funds are earmarked for this project. Our initial fundraising goal is $60,000 and Houweling’s has already committed to matching every dollar for the first $30,000 to get us there. I believe this fundraising goal in the grand scheme of things is a modest one, and am certain that by banding together we can do more. Together we will set a course to change the cycle of child hunger in Tactic, Guatemala.
Please know, any funds you contribute are going to go towards the costs of implementing this incredible project. For those of you who haven’t read my previous blogs let me share a brief overview as to the challenges, opportunities and benefits of this project.
Challenges:
- Restricted diet of corn tortillas and beans offers sub-standard nutrition
- 4th most malnourished country in the world with 50% of children and up to 85% for indigenous Mayan population within Guatemala
- Seed corn that is highly unproductive
- Limited nutrition stunts growth & learning
- Heavy rains daily damage fragile seedlings
.
Opportunities:
- The greenhouse will allow seedlings to mature to a size that can withstand the heavy rains before being transplanted into the fields
- Provide the Impact school network with access to fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables
- Provide agriculture education to the students of Impact’s schools
- Provide employment in the region
- Fresh produce sales to market
Benefits:
- Increase crop yield and crop variety
- Better nutrition and improved health
- 1,300 kids fed daily at Impact schools
- Children perform better in school & learn more
- Improved self-sustainability of community and provide revenue for ministry operations
I continue to be overwhelmed by the number of friends, family, employees, suppliers and people I meet every day who express an interest in helping Houweling’s Tomatoes make this vision a reality. I certainly have to take the opportunity to recognize and thank Kubo Greenhouse Projects of the Netherlands who have already stepped up and donated the ¾ acre greenhouse that is to be built on Impact’s property in Tactic.
With an aggressive build schedule, we will have people on the ground in Tactic, bringing this dream to reality from June through July 2013. Of course none of this will be possible without your support. Please give generously and I will ensure we make a lasting impact in Tactic, Guatemala.
Enjoy the pictures below of the children and people this project will directly support.
With my regards,
US Donations * / Canadian Donations *
(* Remember to select the “Seeds of Tomorrow Project” as the fund designation from the donation page drop down box to ensure your funds are directed to this project)
TO VIEW THE SITE LOCATION ON GOOGLE MAPS CLICK HERE
