I got some more info on Cooperativa San Fernado for Karate, and anyone else who is interested:
The money is supporting a cooperative of farmers that are incredibly poor. Since forming a cooperative we’ve partnered with them and pay them a fair-trade price for their coffee which has improved their living conditions immensely. If they are able to build raised drying beds that can be covered when it rains, it will increase their yield of coffee and improve the quality drastically, thereby giving them more to sell and hence an ability to better support their families. As a cooperative, they take the money they collectively earn and reinvest it in their community – to build a school, hire a teacher, improve healthcare (right now, it’s a 2 day walk to the nearest medical facility).
Like Dusty so kindly pointed out, we are not talking about starving LA hipsters.
I think it's time for my second cup.
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