Difference is the Cause

I have said throughout Noble’s journey in supporting causes by using coffee and tea, that our products nor our brand are the end but the causes we seek to encourage and support.  Well, there are many ways we can do that, and some are not very helpful to either party.  This past Christmas and now with a special page created for them, my work with HOPE International is one “case in point.”

What HOPE does

I have had the pleasure of knowing of HOPE Intl. for several years now.  Their work is tremendous, not because they are doing something new or trendy.  They are fighting a great fight to end poverty while dignifying each and every person.  No easy task.  Working in “third world” countries (the 3rd world treatment I think diminishes  the struggles of these undocumented many millions), HOPE engages locals and utilizes programs in micro-finance or micro-credit, and even savings groups for those who cannot yet afford the average loan.   Their work spans over a dozen countries, and they seek to bring a message of hope to everyone of their clients and partners.

Faith plays a role in their programs, and this has helped them to connect to their clients at a deeper, authentic level, ironically have better rates of return in their programs, and do things that other non-religious, government sponsored programs try to do in the same countries.  They are unapologetic about their Christian convictions, and this high-calling allows them to honor and respect every potential client they seek to serve, whether or not they come from the same faith.   These are great reasons in my mind to support HOPE’s work. (see their YouTube Channel for stories & details)

HOPE and Noble together

This past Christmas season, they wanted to use Noble for a gift and we developed the bag you see in the ‘featured picture’.  I designed the custom stamp to their specs, and worked with folks like Arden and Kevin to finalize the great final product.  I cannot claim this finished piece, so I merely have the bag pictured.

This enabled us to think about how to set a new way of engagement.  I made a private, password protected page where their development reps’ could buy this special product to use in their efforts.  We offer a custom message on the back, as well as the chance to even have a photo placed by the message.  Since we ship coast to coast, this will have great coverage for them.  We also will tweak and improve the program as the months go by…it’s my nature to want to improve things and this outlet with such a quality partner is bound to be refined.

Sharing ‘new’ paths

This is not an uncommon, unique way of working together.  Businesses and non-profits do it all the time.  This is a way two groups can sit and think about how to best use each’s gifts to encourage and strengthen each other.  HOPE’s recipients had several days or longer of drinking [fresh-roasted] coffee in a cool mug, being reminded of the work done across the world…and that gets them thinking about what they can do here or with HOPE there.  Noble is able to use this as another relationship strengthened and served through small, simple things like our fine coffees.

The difference Noble makes is tied to the causes we advocate.  I am thrilled to help HOPE in a small way, and share a few good cups of coffee that will make others think of how they can help and serve them as well.  That is the point of Noble, and it is surely the difference in being simply, clearly a means to the greater goal.  Let’s keep pursuing…

Thanks to Kevin Tordoff, Arden Moyer, and both Chris’s for your many conversations about the above!