-The CCDA (Campesino Committee of the Highlands) is a producer's (mostly farmer's) co-op in Guatemala.  One of the largest of their kind, their mission is to use their strength to effect social, economic, and political change for the working class of Guatemala.

-Though coffee is one of the crops under the umbrella of the CCDA (named Cafe Justicia - now one of our top sellers at FRC) there are also producers of several other commodities: sugar, nuts, artisan crafts, handmade textiles, etc.

-Because they are among the larger co-ops of their kind in Guatemala, they have been targetted by the very few (and very powerful) who have traditionally taken the "Lion's share" on products like coffee.  In particular, the CCDA has been pushing for landreforms so that family farmer's to buy farm land that has been left idle.

- Most recently, in February of 2010, about $40 000 USD worth of coffee was stolen from the Café Justicia warehouse.  Shortly there after, the leader of the CCDA (Leocadio Juracan) and his family began to receive death threats, warning that the CCDA must cease pushing for land reforms, or there would be consequences.  A few days later, an activist in a peasant-native coalition the CCDA belongs to (MISCG) was shot 17 times near his home in Huehuetenango. He too, had received death threats.

Feeling that they needed to allow things to cool off, Leocadio and his family fled to Canada.  While in Canada, Leocadio had several opportunities to speak to the public (one such event hosted here at our Roastery), and educate Canadians on their plight, and what we as citizens can do to help.  These events also helped raise enough money to sustain the family during their time here, as well as help the CCDA recoupe some of the losses they suffered from the robbery in February.

We are now happy to announce that Leocadio and his family have returned to their home (as of the last week of April 2010), and are slowly but surely beginning to be able to restart their work.

For all of you who supported the event at our Roastery, we must give a heart-felt thanks.  These organizations and individuals included:

The London Ale House
The Morrissey House
Los Comales Restaurant
Melrose Bakery
Veg Out Restaurant
Aeolian Hall
Ten Thousand Villages
Janic Gorayeb - Local Artist
Amara Hollowbones - Local Artist
Frank Miller, The University of Western Ontario
Nadia Zeversenuke, The Co-operators
I)Vision Optical, Masonville Mall
Scenic Gift Baskets, Western Fair Farmer's Market
On the Move Organic,Western Fair Farmer's Market
True Taco, Western Fair Farmer's Market
Canadian Comfort Foods, Western Fair Farmer's Market
Theo's Dutch Bakery, Western Fair Farmer's Market
Railway City Brewing Company

...and so many more individuals and small businesses!