OA Community,

Wanted to quickly let everyone know that a huge reason that we were capable of returning to Rwanda a year ahead of schedule was because of some significant support from the Charity Pot initiative of LUSH Cosmetics.

LUSH raises funds through the sales of the Charity Pot, which is a great hand and body lotion made from Fair Trade cocoa butter. Every penny from the sales (except the tax) goes into a “pot” that is then used to fund a group of handpicked causes.

Moreover, LUSH, as a company, tries to support small, grassroots groups that are doing really vital work but often struggle for funding. (I think that the OA community agrees that we are as grassroots as it gets!).

Before I left for Kigali, I was lucky enough to meet with two of LUSH’s employees who are part of the Charity Pot initiative. They have done some very cool things and have amazing plans for supporting grassroots projects in the future.

For more info about LUSH (and their high ethical standards), the Charity Pot and the other projects getting support, check out their site

Again, OA sends a huge thanks to LUSH (and to the customers who have purchased the Charity Pots), and the children and communities in Rwanda are extremely grateful and thankful!

And, we encourage everyone to consider doing some of their shopping at LUSH as your purchases have great value for those on the receiving end of the supported projects.

Thanks!

Gavin.