TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
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A couple of years ago, I visited some protected forest sites in
Honduras.
As is the case in most Central American countries, efforts by the
government to protect the remaining forested areas is minimal. Yet,
even in those remote areas, idealism exists! In spite of their
poverty, some local environmentalists are fighting, with minimal
resources, to try to save what they feel are the jewels of their
country. We traveled to a
fantastic isolated peninsula covered in luxuriant forest, surrounded by
crystal clear ocean which is replete with dolphin and coral reefs. The
government declared the whole area a national park, but funds to pay
Alejandro, the dedicated guard whose job it was to take us there, are
sporadic. I kept thinking that $1200 would pay the salary of Alejandro
and another guard for a whole year. This could be easily raised by a
couple of schools...
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
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Your efforts will make a difference. We hope that you and your class
decide to protect the rainforest in the way that best suits you. There is
no great secret to fund-raising. Let the children guide you. They will
more than likely have some excellent ideas and resources you can use.
1. LAND PURCHASE:
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In Ecuador, land can be presently purchased for:
Bilsa reserve: $40 to $60 (US) an acre
Jatun Sacha: $60 to $100 (US) an acre
Guandera Reserve: $80 to $120 an acre
Donor schools or individuals will receive a certificate and a poster. Our copyright and bylaws require that the sale of products imprinted with our name be used only by our Board of Directors. May we suggest you use the slogan: 'Working for the Rainforest'.
2. FUNDING EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES:
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In Ecuador and Costa Rica:
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Funds are used to pay for work on a variety of programs designed to
help communities adopt sustainable alternatives, and to educate children
on the importance of heathy forests. For more information visit The Jatun Sacha Foundation
Donations over $10 are tax deductible
3. FUNDRAISING MERCHANDISE:
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We are in the process of building a new page listing our merchandise. If your school wishes to inquire about note cards and t-shirts, please contact us.
4. WE NEED YOUR SKILLS:
- We welcome new ideas and constructive criticism that would help us
reach our goals. Please write to us.
- We need new volunteers from anywhere in Canada, with ideas, self
initiative or special skills, willing to promote us or help us.
- We need business sponsors. If you think you can help us locate one
please contact us.
- We need volunteers to create curriculum material on rainforest
education.
- We need photographers or adventurers willing to visit sites in
Ecuador or
Costa Rica and bring back pictures.
We look forward to hearing from you.
HOW TO REACH US:
Snail Mail:
1064 Kingston Avenue,
London, Ontario,
N6H 4C6
E-Mail:
