Recession Doesn’t Dampen Corporations’ Desire to Give Back; International Non-Profit Reports Increased Donations Despite Economy

Surry, ME, September 11, 2009 --(PR.com)-- We might be in the middle of a recession, but it hasn’t prevented some corporations from giving a percentage of their profits back to deserving organizations.

Four companies with roots in sustainable products have chosen to donate what they can to Sustainable Harvest International (SHI), a Maine-based, award winning non-profit that provides Central American farmers with the training and tools to overcome poverty while restoring the planet’s tropical forests. SHI recently reported that funds from its Corporate Sponsors for Fiscal Year 2007 through Fiscal Year 2009 had tripled - and expected to increase through Fiscal Year 2010.

What motivates these companies to give back at a time when most of the country is reeling from economic uncertainty? A desire to create a sustainable world for future generations, says Bud Floyd, Vice President of Marketing for C.H. Robinson - one of SHI’s largest sponsors that donates based on sales of their Our World™ Organics produce line. “Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) was selected as our donation recipient because we believe their mission closely aligns with our brand…We are very impressed with SHI’s work in Central America as they continue to improve the standard of living in many rural communities and help restore the rainforest.

“Today’s economy may be putting additional stress on financial resources for many organizations but we continue to support SHI’s efforts because we believe their long-term strategy will positively impact people around the world. Through the purchase of Our World™ Organics, consumers are making a healthy choice for themselves as well as for their family, and helping to save the environment for years to come. We look forward to continuing to support SHI’s efforts,” Floyd continues.

As part of their mission, the Minnesota-based company donates a percentage of net profits each year to organizations dedicated to sustainable initiatives. Our World™ Organics projects that its donations to SHI for 2009 could result in the planting of as many as 250,000 trees each year.

Other generous sponsors include long-time supporter Annie’s Homegrown, a wholly owned subsidiary of Annie's, Inc., which produces all-natural and organic comfort foods and snacks. The Napa, CA-based company recently donated $20,000 to SHI as part of its 20th Anniversary Campaign to fund 20 village school programs in Belize. TRU Organic, a sustainable line of vodkas and gins, plants a tree through SHI for every bottle sold. Since launching last year, they have planted over 50,000 trees. TRU also recently co-sponsored an independent Tree Planting Carbon Sequestration Analysis for SHI. Robin’s Chocolate Sauce- a Maine-based company that makes sauce from a family recipe- donates jars of its homemade sauce to SHI for Valentine's Day promotions and other purposes.

SHI Founder and President, Florence Reed, appreciates the support. “We are grateful to these corporations for their hard-earned financial support as we continue on our mission to help alleviate poverty while protecting the environment. We will continue doing what we can to make them proud of their affiliation with us,” said Reed.

Reed also stresses the need to continue to support the non-profit sector, especially during tough economic times. She says, “It’s even more important now than ever to help out those organizations that rely solely on donations. SHI wouldn’t be where it is today without the help and generosity of its sponsors.”

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About Sustainable Harvest International: Founded in 1997 by returned Peace Corps volunteer Florence Reed, Sustainable Harvest International provides training and materials to Central American farmers, promoting organic and sustainable agriculture techniques as an alternative to slash and burn agriculture. To date, SHI has planted more than 2,300,000 trees, converted more than 9,000 acres to sustainable uses, thereby saving over 45,000 acres from slash-and-burn destruction.

For the fourth year in a row, SHI has received Charity Navigator’s highest four star rating – an achievement made by only 7 percent of American charities.