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Raised (updated September 13th)
$7,153
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Fundraising Goal
$20,000
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$0
$20,000
Overcoming COVID Fundraiser
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We work with the Alliance for Global Justice (AFGJ) to process and receive donations from supporters across the globe. All donations made to Chico Mendes through the AFGJ are tax deductible in the United States.
Over the past few years, we have been excited to host a rapidly growing number of international volunteer groups. This year between March and August, 22 groups from across the globe planned to work and learn with us in Guatemala. In anticipation, we prepared 40,000 saplings – more than ever before – to plant in 2020. Understandably, all 22 groups cancelled their travels in response to COVID-19. Without the groups, we are unable to employ the 54 local host families, language school teachers and field workers who rely on our support, especially during this time of widespread unemployment and immense need in the Cantel community. We also lack funds to plant the 40,000 saplings currently sitting in our tree nursery.
To make up for lost revenue and volunteers, we’ve set a goal of raising US$20,000, which will allow us to fulfill our immediate mission:
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Provide reforestation employment to community members in need while planting all 40,000 saplings
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Offer our local youth the opportunity to plant trees for education scholarships
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Create safe jobs that follow social distancing guidelines
This goal also advances our broader mission:
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Empower the next generation of indigenous Guatemalans to stand up for their rights and take pride in their heritage
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Attract the Quetzal (Guatemala’s national bird) to designate our lands as preserves protected from mining explorations
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Maintain healthy mountain springs, which provide water to the people of Cantel, and cultivate local biodiversity
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Produce oxygen to reverse global climate change and to ensure that our children have clean air to breathe
In these difficult times, we very much appreciate donations of all sizes. A gift that is meaningful to you is also meaningful to Chico Mendes. Please contact us with any questions and share our fundraiser with others who believe in our mission.
Together we will be able to provide employment and scholarships to our community today while planting the forests of tomorrow. Your support will help us address the current socioeconomic crisis in Cantel while advancing our fight for environmental justice.
What Can Your Dollar Do?
$3 takes care of one new tree for one year
Planting a healthy tree with a high chance of survival takes a lot more than just a seed, soil, water, and sunlight. Donations aid us in pruning, weeding, and watering saplings in el vivero (the tree nursery), planting on the steep mountains of Cantel, clearing brush that ignites forest fires, and fertilizing new trees with natural compost.
$8 buys 1000 bags to plant aguacatillo and pinabete seedlings in the vivero
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$20 pays one field worker a fair wage for one day of work
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$40 buys a new wheelbarrow to transport trees, compost, and soil
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$70 provides snacks for 30 local Pachaj student volunteers
When we break for snacks after a morning of hard work, some students have nothing to eat. Your donation ensures that no local student goes hungry while volunteering with Chico Mendes.
$80-500 supports one day of work at a reforestation site
Planting and continual maintenance of reforestation sites requires transporting people, trees, and tools to the site, as well as hiring local workers to aid Pachaj students and international volunteers with manual labor. Daily expenses vary, depending on the site's seasonal reforestation phase.
$850 buys one motoguadaña, a machine that helps us clear brush
Motoguadañas allow us to more efficiently clear brush at reforestation sites, which prevents brush fires and provides saplings with the space they need to grow.
$4350 builds a new greenhouse to protect saplings from damaging frost
Without proper protection, young aguacatillo and aliso trees die during the cool season (Dec-Mar). Each November, we construct roofs from scrap wood and corn stalks to protect the saplings. Unfortunately, our impermanent roof structures require constant repairs and prevent trees from receiving enough sunlight. Two new greenhouses will allow us to grow more trees in el vivero. Download greenhouse design and cost estimate.
And more...