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Who We Are

If you’ve flown WestJet lately, then no doubt you’ve enjoyed a cup of Fratello coffee. Chris Prefontaine, Director of Business Development for Fratello Coffee Company, based in Calgary, has experienced this cross-cultural transformation through a commitment his family business has made to a Sasiga, Ethiopia community. Recently we have been discussing the best way to contribute back to the developing world. As coffee suppliers it seems that there are two primary avenues–both revolving around green bean sourcing. One (fair trade) is socio-economic. The other (certified organic or other designation) is environmental. While I like both designations A LOT, since they speak to direct results in origin countries, they do lack something for me on a deeper more personal level. What is missing is the edge of direct involvement with the people and/or the environment of the place designated to receive aid. One of the defining features of Fratello Coffee has been its commitment to Belo Ethiopia. This program is essentially the owners of this company directing and monitoring the results of an 8 year development plan in conjunction with FH Canada. The Belo program is designed to direct assistance resources derived from the sale of roasted coffee in North America to this one particular community in Ethiopia. The funds are directed in a way that allows basic infrastructure, like sanitation and water supply, to be developed by the residents themselves. Other funding goes to basic education and literacy. While ten percent of all profits go to supporting these efforts, the ultimate success of the program is measured against particular objectives. We hope to show how aid money manifests as actual benefit to recipients themselves. Stay tuned.”