AUSTIN, Texas (March 1, 2016) – Whole Planet Foundation is kicking off its 2016 Prosperity Campaign at Whole Foods Market with the goal of raising $3.5 million for microlending programs worldwide—enough to support 100,000 people with the chance to lift themselves out of poverty and start a new life. With a microcredit loan as small as $200, a woman can start or expand her business and improve living conditions for her family.
“We witness progress in global poverty reduction every year,” said Philip Sansone, president and executive director for Whole Planet Foundation. “Today 15 percent of the world’s population is living on less than $2 a day, and we want to change that. With thousands of shoppers joining our mission to alleviate global poverty through microcredit, we will see even more change as many small donations multiply over time, as the loans are repaid and re-loaned again and again.”
Through March 31, shoppers across the U.S., Canada and the U.K. can join the campaign online and in Whole Foods Market stores and communities:
- By participating in one of hundreds of in-store fundraising events. Local store calendars offer details about upcoming events.
- More than ever, shoppers can make an impact locally. Whole Planet Foundation is funding microcredit in 16 cities in the U.S. as well as in Puerto Rico, and projects in Canada and in the U.K., where Whole Foods Market operates stores. For a complete listing of projects, visit wholeplanetfoundation.org.
- By watching “Living on One,” a film and tool to help empower the extreme poor to take the first steps out of poverty. The film follows the story of four young friends who set out to live on just $1 a day for eight weeks in rural Guatemala. Available on Netflix.
- By wearing their passion to change the world on Serengetee apparel, bags, and jewelry made with authentic fabric from around the globe. Each Serengetee purchase supports Whole Planet Foundation micro-entrepreneurs.
- By rounding up at store checkouts: Every Whole Foods Market store will collect donations at the registers from March 1 to 14. In microcredit, small change makes big change as the average first loan size in the developing world is $187.
- By donating at wholeplanetfoundation.org or by setting up a team fundraiser to join together to help reach the goal of supporting 100,000 people with the chance for a better life.
Through $69 million in grants to microfinance institutions, Whole Planet Foundation has funded $52 million in microfinance programs in 70 countries, positively impacting more than 7 million people worldwide. For more information about Whole Planet Foundation and the 2016 Prosperity Campaign, visit wholeplanetfoundation.org.
