By Tyler Spigarelli, BA Supply Chain Management 2021
The onset of the Coronavirus pandemic has drastically affected every part of the globe. In March, strict lockdowns were put in place to help stop the rapid spread, and businesses were forced to shut down. These shutdowns put a significant amount of stress on many of Spartan Global’s previous loan recipients in Guatemala. Already facing limited access to important resources, a complete shutdown could not be sustained even in the short term. Through direct communication with our organization’s field partner in Guatemala, we learned of the immense stress these loan recipients were facing in trying to continue business operations while also providing for their families.
Food bags consisting of corn, rice, and various cooking materials
SGDF quickly shifted its’ focus to address the newfound challenges presented with the pandemic, the effort was spearheaded by member Toby Valentino. To maximize our impact during the pandemic, we decided to cease micro-loan operations in March and focus all our energy on establishing a COVID relief fund for our loan recipients.
We set out to raise $5,000 for food bags and spending cash for 10 previous loan recipients. However, SGDF received more support for the COVID relief fund than we could have imagined, truly allowing us to make a difference where it mattered most. Thanks to the tremendous generosity of our donors, we were able to not only provide cash and food bags to several different families, but also supply sewing materials for the production of masks.
Masks sewn by the Nahuala Weaving Cooperative
After an amazing five months of COVID fundraising, SGDF has shifted its focus back to micro-loans at the start of the fall semester. The COVID relief fund turned out to be a huge success and we are incredibly grateful to all those who offered their support. The majority of the food bags, cash, and mask materials have all been distributed at this point in time to the loan recipients and their families with a few more still on the way! At the end of the day, this pandemic affects all in many ways. May the relief fund act as a sign of hope that together, we can truly overcome any of the challenges thrown our way.
Thank you again for all of the support. We at Spartan Global wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season!