We hope this message finds you and yours safe and healthy. These are difficult days for all of us, including our artisan partners in Guatemala. Uncertain times like this reinforce just how connected we all are, and we are grateful to be part of this global community.

Thank you to everyone who has inquired about our artisan partners, who are sure to suffer the consequences of the pandemic. This week, we held a workshop with cooperative leaders, facilitated by an educator from a local health center, about COVID-19, how to keep their families healthy, and how to prevent the spread of the virus. We also distributed soap and educational materials. We are concerned as well about the loss of income due to fewer orders. We are working closely with our wonderful team in Guatemala to determine ways we can support the women in the days and weeks ahead.

Your support during these challenging times means so much. At its heart, fair trade is about connection and we are grateful for the connections that are a lifeline to the talented and hard-working women of Mayan Hands and their families.

Our artisan partners and team in Guatemala ask us to send you their very best wishes for your wellbeing, and we here in the U.S. wish the same.