I have always appreciated companies that give back. When I was in graduate school, my belief in this concept was further cemented when we learned about the importance of corporate social responsibility.
The benefits of being socially responsible affect all parties involved. When a company “gives back,” they often reap even more rewards. People like to feel good about spending money, especially in times when the economy isn’t so great. If I have a choice of supporting a business that gives back, or one that doesn’t, of course I’ll choose the more charitable one. If I make a purchase from a charitable company, I benefit because I get the product and the satisfaction of giving, the company benefits by getting a sale, and the charity benefits by being an end recipient. Karma at its finest!
I haven’t done a giving back post since the one I did about Chili’s and St. Jude, so I thought it would be the perfect time to do another one. Honey Sweetie Acres not only makes high-quality artisan goat milk skincare products, but they contribute to impoverished children in Haiti.
Honey Sweetie Acres founders, Steve and Regina Bauscher, were so appreciative of their customers and success, that they wanted to do something to give back. So, why Haiti? Their decision was based on personal experience with a charity that had been lovingly and successfully changing the lives and futures of children who had lost everything, including their families.
Unfortunately, Haiti doesn’t have the programs available like in the United States. Most of these people would find poverty in the United States a welcome respite. Regina even told me that adults would make “cookies” out of mud, just so the childrens’ bellies would feel fuller (Honey Sweetie Acres, n.d.). It breaks my heart that a child would have to suffer in this way.
Earthquake damage in Haiti. (Used with permission from Honey Sweetie Acres)
Vilaje Espwa, or “Free The Kids,” in Les Cayes, Haiti, has a mission to provide basic shelter, food and medical care along with education and religious instruction to the neediest children who had suffered through the earthquake in January of 2010. Spending ten days in Haiti resulted in Regina’s new appreciation for how hard life could actually be (Honey Sweetie Acres, n.d.).
Regina Bauscher spending the day with school children in Haiti (used with permission from Honey Sweetie Acres)
Today, Vilaje Espwa, named “Hope Village” by the children, encompasses over 100 acres. They have built a farm, dormitories, and started vocational training to teach the children trades so they can have a better future. Children love to get dirty, and the hot, dry climate of Haiti wreaks havoc on the skin, so Honey Sweetie Acres donates shipments of their goat milk soap (Honey Sweetie Acres, n.d.).
(Used with permission from Honey Sweetie Acres)
If you wish to contribute to any shipments, you can simply email Honey Sweetie Acres and let them know which item(s) you would like to donate. In addition to their regular donations, Honey Sweetie Acres will match an additional bar to any bar you choose. They will also send you a letter for tax purposes. The shipments are sent to an ESPWA leader in Massachusetts, who then transports the soap to the village, so you can rest assured your donation(s) will arrive safely (Honey Sweetie Acres, n.d.).
(Used with permission from Honey Sweetie Acres)
Espwa/Free The Kids is a five star rated charity by Charity Navigator. The organization scored 70 out of 70 for Accountability & Transparency. 89.3% of funds received are directly applied to the children and their needs. Administrative expenses are 3.2%, and fundraising expenses are 7.4% (Honey Sweetie Acres, n.d.).
When I learn of generous acts by caring people, it truly helps restore my faith in humanity. Please be sure to show Honey Sweetie Acres some love!
To learn more about the Honey Sweetie Acres charity program, click here. To learn more about ESPWA, visit www.FreeTheKids.org.
Source:
Honey Sweetie Acres (n.d.). Our Chosen Charity. Retrieved February 3, 2016, from www.honeysweetieacres.com.
All photos from Honey Sweetie Acres.
