Mission Statement
To assist in the relief of poverty and improve the health and well being of the indigenous and other disadvantaged peoples of Guatemala, and of similar peoples in other areas.
Charitable Status
The GSP is a volunteer-driven registered Canadian charity under #871977617RR0001 and can issue tax receipts to Canadians for donations over $20.00
The Guatemala Stove Project was founded in 1999 in response to a request for help from CEDEC, an indigenous non-profit group working in Guatemala’s ‘altiplano’ or Western Highlands. CEDEC identified the need for masonry cook stoves in the communities they serve, but residents lacked the material resources to build such stoves for themselves. In the first year under the guidance of mason Don Juan Puac, Perth carpenter Tom Clarke built 6 stoves. Since 1999, Tom and Canadian volunteers working on behalf of the
GSP have fundraised for the construction of over 7000 stoves, which were built by local Guatemalan masons. These stoves dramatically improve the health, life expectancy and overall well-being of Maya families, especially women and children who spend the most time indoors around the cooking fire. Since the inception of the project, the GSP has also organized an annual stove-building trip to Guatemala every February for volunteers.
The GSP is volunteer-driven: the core activity is to build masonry cook stoves but over the years the GSP has helped to reduce poverty or suffering by addressing key priorities with the following initiatives:
Three billion people continue to cook over an open fire or rudimentary stove and the resultant air pollution is a leading cause of death and disability. A GSP masonry cookstove will provide a wide range of health, economic and social benefits for a Maya family
Attending high school may be the dream of a young Maya girl and her family but is seldom the reality. A GSP educational bursary offers this opportunity and will give her more choices about her future.
When traditional financing is not available, a GSP micro-loan is a valuable method to finance small projects and earn much needed income.
Emergency assistance allows for immediate financing to our Guatemalan partners in times of crisis such as earthquakes, mudslides, and serious health concerns. These events greatly impact Maya families with few economic resources
Volunteers at Work in Canada – From beer can and bottle collecting at folk festivals to woven bracelet sales in schools, our Canadian volunteers have shown creativity and perseverance in their efforts to fundraise for stoves and other projects. Yearly dances, cocktail parties, sit-down dinners, garage sales and presentations to schools and churches have provided us with opportunities to connect with Canadian donors and offer a hand-up to deserving Guatemalan families.