April 7, 2014

It’s all about coffee and conversation.

Students in the ecotourism and outdoor leadership program have brought a taste of Costa Rica back to Medicine Hat College following a two-week field study in February. In addition to presenting highlights of their trip – which included studying biodiversity, learning about the tourism industry, swimming in a volcanic crater, and other extreme pursuits – the students will share about a partnership they have developed with a coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiqui. The event will take place in crave at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8.

As part the field study, they toured the Coopesarapiqui plantation, an enterprise project funded by Planeterra Foundation, and learned about the production and economy of the coffee industry. With the knowledge and relationships they gained from the experience, students are now launching a fundraising project here at home that will support coffee bean growers in Costa Rica as well as organizations in Medicine Hat.

ETOL students will be directly managing the project that allows them to import authentic pure bean Costa Rica coffee to Canada. The coffee can be purchased on campus from the students for $10/lb with the entire amount going to the ETOL student fund.

There is also an opportunity for local non-profits and school groups to benefit from this project. Community members can get involved by coordinating their own coffee fundraiser with all proceeds going to their organization.

Great coffee. Great causes. Stop by for your morning coffee on Tuesday, April 8 at 10 a.m. in crave and learn more.