In 2007 with the support and guidance of Rootham Gourmet Preserves out of Canada and the Rotary Club of Guelph South, the Casa Llanta Fund formed a sustainable women’s cooperative called Condimentos del Carizal which produces and sells homemade jams. Financial training and a micro loan were provided to the women in the community. The members of the cooperative hand-make and distribute their products into local hotels and shops throughout Nicaragua. They also sell their products to visiting tourists and cruise ships.
With funds from the Rotary Club of Guelph South and proceeds from Pitaya Festival, the Casa Llanta Fund built a community kitchen for the women’s cooperative in 2013 on land donated by Tim Kelly.
We are extremely proud to announce that the women’s cooperative have opened their own shared bank account for their savings and have been completely self-sufficient and sustainable since 2014. The Casa Llanta Fund no longer provide financial aid to the women directly because their business is financially independent.
On August 9th, 2013 Shelton Collier led Wingate’s womens volleyball team across international borders and into the Central American nation of Nicaragua. The 8 day tour was a combination of competitive matches against Nicaragua’s national team, community service in underprivileged local schools and adventure activities featuring the country’s unique natural beauty and wildlife.