Whole Foods marketing team members are pitching in their non-work talents for a fundraising drive that runs through the end of March. Professional chalk artist David Kleven, a team member who is responsible for all of the lovely chalk signage throughout the store will be donating some unique handmade chalk art, Lani Lee from Customer Service Support, a youth minister and busy mom of five will be donating healing body work, and Jennifer Spencer, who works in the bakery department will also be contributing her original artwork.
These are just some of the donations that shoppers can look for and bid on to raise money to go to the Whole Planet Foundation - a charitable non-profit organization that seeks to alleviate poverty through micro-credit loans in communities around the world that supply Whole Foods Markets with products. The grocery store chain covers all of the operating costs of the foundation, so that donations go directly to micro-lending.
Since 2006 they have partnered with professor Muhammed Yunus and the Grameen Bank, co-recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize, to give something back to those in communities who have helped the store succeed, while focusing on world poverty and hunger. The foundation is currently supporting over 330,000 women micro-entrepreneurs in 59 different countries around the world. Giving back via direct micro-credit loans is a way to create constructive economic partnerships with the poor in the developing world. Loans go to a wide variety of businesses like furniture making, tailoring, handicrafts, homemade and bakery made foods, clothing and more.
For example, Pod from Borikhan in Laos used her loan to enhance her weaving business; she recently purchased a used sewing machine to finish her hand-made woven products that she sells locally. With an average loan size of $175, extending a relatively small amount of credit can make a world of difference to these women and help them support their families.
"This will offer a new perspective of our team members," says Jane Shafer, marketing and community relations team leader.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA