Coffee for Uganda

We happily blogged last week that the Birchwood Cafe is selling a special brew to benefit Blooming in Uganda. If you haven't yet tasted the Peacewood Coffee called Ugandan Peaberry, hurry on over to the Birchwood and pick up a pound! Your tastebuds will thank you every morning and Uganda will, too.

The Birchwood's owner, Tracy, wrote about the fundraiser in the cafe's recent newsletter. We were so touched by the story and Tracy's words that we just had to reprint it. Thanks, Tracy! (See you soon at the Birchwood, everyone?)

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

“Blooming in Uganda” Fair Trade Fundraiser
When I learned that my dear friend and daughter’s doula, Sarah Longacre, was planning a trip to Uganda in Feb. 2010 to build a birthing center, I knew I had to help. Not only because Sarah and her yoga studio, Blooma, were such an immense support throughout my pregnancy and her presence at Lily’s birth a true gift—the sad fact that in Uganda, 435 out of every 100,000 women die of childbirth related causes also really struck home. Having a skilled attendant present at a birth and celebrating my daughter’s first birthday were things I could take for granted, but maybe not so for some Ugandan women.

Hmmm… how could we help raise the $20,000 she needs? Later the same day, while chatting with Mel at Peace Coffee about which coffee to feature for Fair Trade Month, she mentioned the limited edition Ugandan Peaberry and it hit me like a ton of coffee beans.

Fair trade is about supporting the growth of healthy communities, and what better way to help grow community in Uganda than by donating from our sales of Ugandan Peace Coffee to support the health of Ugandan mothers and babies!

Now until mid-November, we’re brewing the Ugandan Peaberry daily, so come try a fresh hot cup. You’ll love the deep chocolate and molasses notes and thick mouth feel so much that you’ll want to take home a pound. Or two. Or ten! For every pound we sell ($12) we’ll donate 50 percent to “Blooming in Uganda” to help ensure that Ugandan women and their new babies get a healthy start.

For more info on other “Blooming in Uganda” fundraising events or to donate directly check out www.blooma.com. And if you are expecting, or know someone who is, Blooma offers pre- and postnatal yoga, childbirth education, wellness services and an amazing, supportive community for moms-to-be, new moms and their families. As I celebrate Lily’s first birthday this month, I’m grateful to Sarah and honored to help support her, Blooma and their vision for “Blooming in Uganda."