The Carpenteros and Friends
Reconnecting in Olancho - 2010
Visiting coffee growers, students, credit unions and more
During the Fall 2010 visit to Honduras, the main team of Carpenteros went directly from Tegucigalpa to the work-site village of Azacualpa, in extreme south-west Honduras.
Meanwhile, Ken and Maria Vanderlaan and Ken Bosveld spent five days visiting communities in Olancho, to meet with the El Carrizal coffee growers and education fund students, to check on the progress of the El Guanabano pig farming and moringa tree projects, and to hear from members of a number of micro-credit cooperatives.
Coffee co-op helps unite community
Since 2010, the Carpenteros have been working closely with a group of farmers in rural Olancho Department to export their premium 'direct trade' coffee to Canada. Many of the members of the 'Association of Olancho River Coffee Growers' are members of the El Carrizal Christian Reformed Church, and proceeds from coffee sales in Canada have helped to provide further training and equipment for the continued improvement of their coffee crop.
The Carpenteros are offering roasted coffee beans and medium ground coffee for just $10/pound. Coffee is available by calling Ken at 905-689-5491, or sending email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
An eye-opening experience
In November/December 2012, a team of 14 Carpenteros served in the community of La Barranquilla, Chuloteca, Honduras. Aside from a one-day visit by a team of Carpenteros in 2011, this was the first team of North America volunteers to serve in this community. While the work projects focused on pouring concrete floors into homes which only had dirt floors, much of the team's time was spent building friendships, getting to understand, and pour hope into the lives of the people of La Barranquilla.
One of the members of the team to La Barranquilla was Chris Reynolds, President of Investment Planning Counsel of Canada, and Chris not only shares his observations and reflections of his time in Honduras, but also how it has opened his eyes and heart to a deeper understanding of their plight and a deeper appreciation for what we in Canada have been blessed with.
Education Fund
The Carpenteros' Education Fund partners with parents in remote, impoverished communities so their children can continue to receive a high school education.Hope for Honduras
The Building Hope for Honduras dinner takes place on the last Thursday of September. For tickets, or to become a sponsor, please email:
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Valentine's Bistro
The February Valentine's Bistro provides funding for various community development projects and supports the Carpenteros' Education Fund.Windows of Hope
Through your support, the Windows of Hope program assists the neediest Hondurans to improve their homes, obtain much-needed medicine, or have access to clean water and sanitary facilities.Upcoming Events
VALENTINE'S BISTRO
Sat., Feb. 9, 2013 at 6 p.m.
Dundas Calvin Christian School
Reservations: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Join a Team
To learn more about joining a Carpenteros team and serving in a Honduran community for 9-10 days, please send an email message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Ken at 905-689-5491.
How You Can Help
The Carpenteros and Friends depend on a dedicated team of volunteers. In addition to offering financial support, we invite you to learn more about the various ways how you can help our brothers and sisters in Honduras.
Contact us
For more information, or to be added to our e-newsletter list, please send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.