Anti-Body Community
5 REASONS A COCONUT PRESS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD: Anti-Body, a fair trade, all natural body-care company, was created to fight poverty by providing individuals around the world with sustainable jobs that pay fair wages for the production of ingredients used in Anti-Body products. Anti-Body's founders, Tamara Johnston-McMahon and Shelby and Steven Moser were compelled to build a social-capital enterprise after Tamara lost her fiancĂ in a tragic accident in 2004. Through the outreach of Anti-Body, the company founders and fans of Anti-Body products have acquired new meaning in life.
Anti-Body is seeking to expand operations into Liberia, a tropical country in West Africa devastated by 15 years of civil wars with a current unemployment rate of 85 percent. Come meet our top five reasons for picking Liberia...
1) VERA KARLORS
Vera is a soft-spoken and hard-working young woman who is currently a senior in High School. She is a product of the war, spending all of her childhood running and hiding from the rebels. Her father died during the war and her mother cannot afford to keep her, so she lives with her uncle. She would rather work than talk and helps with much of the chores around the house. Vera is currently unemployed and looks most forward to her future employment with Anti-Body, which will enable her to take care of herself and her family.
2) ANNA SEYSH
Anna was widowed in July of 1998 when her husband fell sick and died during the war. She has 10 children and several grandchildren who live with her in a tiny structure. Anna has not been able to find work since before the war started in the 1980's, and mostly looks forward to contributing to her family as its matriarch. Anna is dedicated to praying every day until Anti-Body has raised enough money to purchase the coconut oil press for her employment.
3) THERESA KREH
A mother of seven, Theresa was widowed in May of 1999, and since then has struggled to make ends meet. She does not have a current job to provide for her extended family, which includes nine grandchildren. Just recently, she lost her sister, but even in her grief, she loves to receive guests. In true Liberian fashion, when approached about the prospect of employment, she offered a bowl of kola nuts--the highest signature of welcome into a household.
4) FRANCIS WREH
Francis' husband died during the war in 1999, leaving her to provide for seven children, six grandchildren and one grandchild named "Blessing." She has spent her whole life working hard. First she ran a fishing business, and next, she ran a table in the markets until it was destroyed by the war. Since then she's been praying for employment. As soon as the Anti-Body cooperative is operational, Francis will be the Manager and be able to provide a sustainable life for her family.
5) ISAIAH NYABTEH
Isaiah's nickname is "Zee," and he currently is employed to make cabinets, however, the cost of gas is so high ($5 a gallon) that he looking forward to a local job with Anti-Body. During the war, Zee was bound and threatened by a group of rebels, and his family was forced to move from their home. Zee is a very hard worker and will be the Location Manager on site. He will also be in charge of gathering coconuts for oil expelling. In the spare moments Zee is not working, he loves to listen to news and sports on his hand-held radio.
PLEASE HELP US ESTABLISH THE LIBERIAN ANTI-BODY FAIR TRADE COOPERATIVE.
With the Anti-Body Liberian Co-Op, these five individuals may have a job in which they receive fair wages to produce natural, healthy coconut oil for use in Anti-Body's body-care products.
In order to start this operation, $35,000 is needed which includes the purchase of the coconut oil press ($9,650), shipping from India, packaging, travel, and starting wages. To ensure the success of this enterprise, Anti-Body will provide the Liberian co-op team with training in safety procedures and quality-control, educational assistance, health care and a starting wage of $50 a month. Regular meetings and third-party distribution will further the future capacity of the Liberian fair trade cooperative.
