Each year since 2008, GIMA (Intermunicipal Games for the Environment) has provided the children of the Alta Mogiana region in Brazil with an opportunity to learn about environmental responsibility.
Hundreds of Year 5 students would travel to Bom Jesus farm and join the competition between participating towns. The activities they perform are related to sports, the environment, culture and community, here they develop values such as friendship, respect, excellence, bravery, inspiration, and equality. Prizes include push-bikes, soccer balls, and school supplies.
Unfortunately, the 2020 GIMA event had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Instead of donating push-bikes or soccer balls, long-time GIMA supporter and green bean trader Minas Hill Coffee is raising funds to donate tablets with pre-paid internet so these children can connect and have access to home schooling.
Minas Hill CEO Marcelo Brussi says half of poor families in Brazil don’t have internet access at home.
“Even though we were able to establish a partnership with a local manufacturer, this is still an expensive product and our fundraising goal is much higher than before,” Marcelo says.
Each tablet costs $140 and Minas Hill’s goal is to distribute 200 units for the most vulnerable and isolated kids in the first phase of the project.
“Australian roasters have been so generous and we hope this year we can beat last year’s donations and really make a change on those children’s lives,” Marcelo says.
“Living though a pandemic has increased the sense of community and strengthen so many partnerships. We’ve seen we all need each other and together we can do more. We know this edition will change GIMA and leave a legacy, and we hope you can be part of it.”
To donate, fill out THIS DONATION FORM and send it to info@minashill.com.au
A flyer to promote GIMA 2020 in your café is available HERE.
For more information, visit www.minashill.com.au/blog
Image: Minas Hill Coffee
