It all began in Guatemala.

In 1999 Lloyd and Kim of Ethical Bean spent four months in Guatemala while adopting their daughter, Mia. During their time in Guatemala, the couple visited various communities learning about coffee and the plight of people living in poverty. Upon their return to Canada, they started Ethical Bean Coffee Company.

As many of our readers know, Ethical Bean is a huge supporter of Project Somos. For the last two years the company has donated $1 from every unit of coffee sold during the month of December to Project Somos and Child Aid (another non-profit based in Guatemala). This year they donated $21,000 to Project Somos! Last Summer we held an online Facebook campaign for 30 days. Every dollar raised (up to $2500) was matched by Ethical Bean. The campaign successfully brought in over $6000! Last month we hosted a Potato Fusion workshop/fundraiser. Ethical Bean donated used burlap coffee bags to this fun event. EB also generously provides awesome gifts during our Annual Benefit Fiestas. Our board meetings are held in the Ethical Bean meeting room and coffee is on the house! How sweet is that?

Within the company there are some pretty amazing people who have provided lots of support to Project Somos. Co-Founder and President, Lloyd Bernhardt sits on our Board of Directors. He joined in 2008 and his participation has been invaluable to the progress of our vision. He brings years of business expertise, innovative ideas and lots of laughs to the team. We are grateful for his enthusiastic participation! Co-Founder, Kim Schachte provides us with design support and expertise. She and Lloyd opened their home and hosted a board retreat there last Summer and recently, an information event. Emily has been around since the start of this vision. She and her husband, Chris generously chose to donate to Project Somos rather than giving their guests keepsake gifts during their wedding. Em comes out to events, providing coffee and lots of enthusiastic energy, etc. Michelle, too has been on board since the beginning and is an enthusiastic supporter and spokesperson for Project Somos! Mel helps us with design and brings great ideas to the table. Special thanks to Janet, Aaron, Rechel, Tammy and the rest of the staff who help out in so many different ways when we descend upon the Ethical Bean headquarters.

To celebrate reaching over 500 fans on our Facebook Fan Page, we are celebrating with a gift donated in part by Ethical Bean. Two pounds of rich Guatemalan coffee, along with a Project Somos canvas shopping bag made in Guatemala, will be sent out to the successful winner. We’ll use an online random generator to pick the winner. All you need to do is make a comment below to be eligible. One entry per person. Be sure to join Ethical Bean’s Facebook Fan Page if you’d like to hear about their giveaways too!

Our next Public Information Event will be held at Ethical Bean Cafe on Tuesday, May 18th @7pm. We hope you’ll come check out to this wonderful cafe, meet some of their amazing staff and come hear more about Project Somos!

THANK YOU ETHICAL BEAN!

WE LOVE YOU!

p.s. Will draw the winner’s name on Monday, May 10th!

Be sure to provide your email address so that we can contact you if you win!