If you’ve been shopping at Whole Foods Market lately, you may have noticed the tables set up at the front of the store. Those tables happen to be part of the 2015 Prosperity Campaign, which supports the Whole Planet Foundation, and has already raised $2.6 million! Next time you’re in the store, you might just want to take a quick minute to stop and check it out.
So what does it all mean? The Whole Planet Foundation is a private nonprofit organization established by Whole Foods Market. They provide grants to micro-finance institutions in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East, who in turn develop and offer micro-enterprise loan programs, training and other financial services to the self-employed poor.
Whole Planet Foundation was born out of Whole Foods Market’s desire to give something back to those who have helped them succeed, while focusing on the persistent problem of world poverty and hunger. The Foundation was formed with the entrepreneurial spirit of Whole Foods Market and is now in partnerships with micro-finance organizations in 61 countries.
By building a livestock stable closer to the city in Mongolia, Bayanmunkh has been able to generate more income and protect his family from the harsh winters.
Aruby is a client of Microloan Foundation in Malawi who runs a hair salon where she typically serves more than four clients per day.
The campaign at the Park City location is set up in the form of a silent auction with some seriously great products up for auction! Some participating companies are Backcountry.com, My Liquid Garden, Rossignol, Swaner Eco Center, Egyptian Theater, Black Diamond Gymnastics and more! As mentioned above, $2.6 million has already been raised for this great cause, but there is still time to do your part and to reach the $5 million goal while getting something awesome back in return. The fundraiser doesn’t end until March 31, so next time you are picking up groceries, be one of the thousands of people helping 131,000 people change their own lives. Join the campaign and be part of a global movement to alleviate poverty around the world.
