April 13, 2010 - Rebuilding Update from our Chilean Farmers

The $18,000 raised through our blueberry fundraising efforts in support of Chilean farm workers and their families has contributed to the rebuilding efforts of 12 – 15 temporary homes. The long term rebuilding efforts continue.

…A note from our Chilean blueberry farmers…

I can't tell you how touched and overwhelmed we are by your generosity, compassion and kindness.
I knew that I was working with good people but I had no idea of just how good.
It is devastating to drive through my country and see all the destruction and the people who have lost family members and homes. I am so glad that I have some way of helping. I have been so blessed that my family are all okay. Our house is a mess but there are some parts that we can save. The blueberries are absolutely fine. As is always the case, it is the poor who are suffering the most; there are so many individual tragic stories. We have been getting together as a group to see how we can best help and it seems that the most urgent thing needed are houses before the winter sets in. We are working with our individual communities to identify those with the most critical needs and will help them in order of priority. I have enclosed some photos of the devastation and rebuilding efforts. I will be in touch.”

Warm regards,
Alberto

Community Customers Raised over $18,000 to Support Farmers in Chile

At Community Natural Foods we have always been proud to play an active role in Calgary, surrounding communities and the global community. We’re even prouder since recognizing the compassion and dedication of our customers in response to our March blueberry fundraising efforts in support of Chilean farm workers and their families after the devastating earthquake.

In total, over $18,000 was raised by supportive Community customers through the sale of Chilean blueberries and with your support, together, we’ve contributed to rebuilding the lives of many impacted Chilean’s.

Thank you,
Community Natural Foods.

8.8 Magnitude Earthquake in Chile

On February 27, 2010 an 8.8 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of the
Maule Region of Chile. This earthquake was strongly perceived in six Chilean regions (from Valparaiso Region in the north to Araucania Region in the south), impacting 80% of the country’s population.

At Community Natural Foods a disaster of this magnitude not only raised concerns for the citizens of Chile, but, we were also concerned for our family of blueberry growers. Our Chilean growers are rather remarkable people. After the earthquake, the largest farm in the seven member Green Tribe Coop bought tens of thousands of dollars worth of food and distributed it to four towns that were destroyed (with over 90% of the buildings gone). They set up emergency medical programs, hired social workers and asked their workers to come and pick berries every day. As well, they made a commitment to re-build over 100 of their workers houses that were destroyed.

Supporting our Family of Growers in Chile
In response to our growers commitment, in the month of March we extended our support of their rebuilding efforts by selling their blueberries and committing every dollar spent by consumers to go directly to support rebuilding efforts of farm workers and their family’s. The result was over $18,000 raised!

Rebuilding Efforts in Chile
Vist our website soon for more news from Chile and updates on the ongoing rebuilding efforts.