This week, Bristol based food company Friska and microfinance charity Deki are celebrating the first anniversary of their partnership. The first 12 months of the partnership has been highly successful with their achievements being recognised by The Guardian Sustainability Awards 2014.
Friska has been shortlisted in this year’s ‘Social Impact category’ by a judging panel made up of some of the most influential thinkers from the world of sustainable business.
Businesses were shortlisted for inspirational work that demonstrated innovation and impact in corporate sustainability.
Each month Friska, a Bristolian favourite for ‘Feel Good Food’, funds a loan for a chosen Deki entrepreneur. They do this by donating 10p from the sale of each ‘Deki Dish’ – their Vietnamese Pho noodles. All four Bristol outlets take part and the money raised goes to providing entrepreneurs living in poverty with ethical microloans and training. With the capital and skills to start a business, these hardworking entrepreneurs are able to create sustainable livelihoods and boost their local economies.
With each loan, five or more people positively benefit – these may be children or orphans who as a result are able to go to school, or elderly relatives needing support. As Friska continues to raise funds, the pot of money being recycled grows as does the number of people being helped, making this a truly sustainable partnership. To date Friska itself has changed the lives of 55 people in the developing world for the better. In addition, many of Friska’s customers have signed up to help individually.
In-store this week, Friska customers signing up to become a Deki lender for the first time will receive a free coffee as well as being entered into a raffle to win lunches for a week.
“We are extremely proud of our partnership with Deki. Being able to help change the lives of so many people within the first year of our partnership is amazing, and we are excited about the future of the project as it continues to grow and offer more opportunities for entrepreneurs in developing countries”, says Griff Holland, Co-Founder of Friska.
“We are thrilled at how much Friska has achieved in the past 12 months, and have found Ed and Griff’s (Friska founders) support and enthusiasm for the partnership invaluable. We look forward to seeing how much we can achieve in the next 12 months as we both grow’. says Vashti Seth, CEO and Founder of Deki.
The winners of The Guardian Sustainability Awards will be announced at a ceremony on 14th May 2014.