Ometepe Coffee Gulf Islands has existed as a volunteer organization for 28 years. And as happens with any organization things morph and change. Recently a number of key, long time volunteers have retired. Ometepe Coffee is now actively welcoming new volunteers into the fold. It's an opportunity to contribute both to the local community and the global community. We buy certified organic, shade grown coffee beans from a coop on Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua for better than fair trade prices. We then roast and sell the beans locally and serve coffee at Salt Spring's famous Saturday market and other events. The profits from these sales then return to Nicaragua and Guatemala to support projects such as potable water, Onile wood burning stoves, loans to Ometepe Island women who are starting businesses, education funds, and primary medical care. So think of Ometepe as double fair trade! All monies are returned to projects in Central America.
This weekend will mark the second week of Ometepe's market presence where we serve appreciative coffee lovers their favourite drink. There are lots of reasons to become part of Ometepe Coffee. It is a lot of fun to be part of the market. If you love to chat and people watch, it couldn't be a more perfect venue. People from around the world (and island :) stop by for a cup of our beautiful brew. Market vendors are always in need of a little refreshment. It makes for a lovely morning or afternoon to volunteer at one of the two market shifts of the day. It's an incredibly positive and stimulating social experience whether you spend the rest of your time working in a solitary environment or just love social interaction. Simply arrive, brew and sell coffee. It couldn't be easier. Set up and take down are handled by someone else. You can enjoy the treats and wears of the market while you are there and know you are supporting a global initiative while you do that.
Please chat with someone at our market booth or contact us via our facebook page if you'd like to join our volunteer team or are curious about learning more.
