Go Green & Give the Gift of Hope! You may not be familiar with the organization Guatemala Hope but our team at Pelee Island Winery has a special place in our hearts for this local organization. Its roots reach deep and continue to grow both here in Essex County, Ontario and in El Triunfo, Guatemala.
For over 15 years, we’ve supported and participated in the annual Guatemala Hope fundraising dinner. This year, we’ve paired up with Guatemala Hope to feature some St.Patrick’s Day “Go Green – Give Hope” options. Proceeds from our ECO Vidal Riesling VQA and our Hopping Apple Sparkling will support this amazing cause.
El Triunfo to Woodslee
In the 1990’s the Refugee committee at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Woodslee, Ontario undertook the sponsorship of 11 refugee families from around the world. This included Eddy Gutierrez and his five young children from El Triunfo, Guatemala after his wife had been killed during a quiet protest of the people to protect their farms. A little while later, Eddy’s brother and his wife Rosa, were sponsored by a neighbouring parish-St. Simon and St. Jude in Belle River. The two families settled in the Woodslee and Belle River area.
In 2000 Rosa traveled home to a visit and shared her anguish over the deterioration of living conditions in the village with the St. John’s Refugee Committee upon her return. This resulted in the St. John’s Guatemala Relief Committee.
Guatemala Hope Begins
This committee grew in strength and numbers. They began to work towards improving the quality of life and self sufficiency of the villagers of El Triunfo. Their fundraising efforts made it possible to assist them with many projects and commodities. The committee recognized the need to go beyond the parish with awareness education as well as to provide the necessary financial growth. In the spring of 2003 the committee formally incorporated as a not-for-profit under the new title “Guatemala Hope”.
Your Opportunity to Join Us
Carmelo Gutierrez, Guatemala Hope’s Vice-President, was three and a half when his father Eddy arrived in Canada with him and his four siblings. “My Mother gave her life and my Father… faced more hardships and challenges than anyone I know. The courage and perseverance it took to emigrate on his own, with 5 children, inspires me every day.”
“Growing up in Canada, it’s easy to take for granted things like clean water, healthcare, education and a home. Visiting family in El Triunfo, I understand how incredibly fortunate we are. I’m honoured and humbled to be able to bring these necessities to others.
“It means the world to me that my Canadian community has embraced this little village in Guatemala that I also call home. It’s a beautiful reminder that we all speak the language of hope & love.”
Through March 17th 2021 we will donate a portion of the proceeds from online and curbside pickup orders of Hopping Apple and ECO Vidal Riesling in our Go Green – Give Hope Mix & Match Case package to Guatemala Hope. Funds raised will assist with funding projects focusing on clean water, housing and a community medical clinic.
Projects Underway
Medical Clinic
Fresh Water
Housing Grants
Be the Change
Guatemala Hope continues to make a difference in the lives of the people of El Triunfo and the surrounding area with bi-annual trips to the village to initiate projects, bring medical care, education, and economic improvements for the families there.
In the year 2007 the Corporation received its Charitable Tax status with the Canadian Government. Guatemala Hope will continue to bring “Hope” to the people of Guatemala.
If you would like to donate directly to Guatemala Hope or are interested in volunteering, you can connect with them here.
Cheers!
Pssttt… Don’t forget while you’re here to sign up for our Birthday Club and receive a $20 Gift Voucher for your birthday!