We believe in giving back to our community, whether that be here in Chattanooga or abroad. Every year, we choose a cause that aligns with our values and donate a percentage of our revenue to support their mission. This year we are excited to announce our giveback partner is El Maíze Más Pequeño A.C. (The Smallest Corn Association)!
Why El Maíze?
Our friend Henry Miller started this foundation to help address the impact that climate change has had on the people of Mexico. With the increase of drought, farming has becoming increasingly difficult, causing damaging effects on local economies and the long-held homes of the people of these lands. El Maíze aims to aid these communities through educating them on their unique landscape and teaching them the tools and skills needed to work with their ecosystem as climate change continues to change their homeland.
What Do they Do?
El Maíze works hard to make sure that people can continue to live in their ancestral lands. They partner with local schools to teach the youth about the landscape of their home and how to best prepare for the uncertainty of the changing climate. They accomplish this by educating teachers on their local food and water resources who then can teach their students about identifying the safe or problematic areas of their environment. Students can map out these areas to see how climate change is affecting their lives.
They also collaborate with local communities to create sustainable farming methods and rural families to encourage the use of healthy, accessible, low cost foods.
Why is this Important?
Climate change is going to affect all of us. The communities that will be hit the hardest by these changes are these rural and Indigenous communities. We want to help foster the sustainability that these communities need to survive and thrive. We believe it's our responsibility to support the community that inspires our designs and the birthplace of Stray Dog Designs.
A portion of your purchase goes to support the work of this organization. Read more about El Maíze Más Pequeño A.C. and their incredible programs!
