Now Launching - Melvin’s Fishing Company!
A determined local church leader is changing lives
It is hard to imagine the little fishing village of LaCeiba, Honduras, without Melvin. He has been a fixture in this town for years. You could see him lending a helping hand for anyone in need, attending meetings at his church, selling fish with his three children and dedicated wife at his side in the village, and yes- rowing out into the ocean in his little wooden boat to fish in the early morning hours.
Melvin is always the first one to show up when a neighbor has a problem. He is the first one to volunteer when a church member needs help repairing their home after a storm. He is the first one to donate some of his meager funds when a friend is hungry.
So when a local pastor in La Ceiba told us that Melvin was interested in a Microfinance loan to expand his little fishing business, we were eager to help. Melvin was doing his best to earn a living with his small fishing boat, rowing out into the sea to dip his nets into the choppy waters off the north coast of Honduras. He was just barely getting by. Lacking a motor for his boat, however, he was forced to remain in the shallower waters
close to shore, with limited fish supplies.
CareLink provided funding for Melvin to purchase a boat motor, raise the sides of his boat with fiberglass fittings, and purchase a commercial freezer for his home so he can preserve his catch. The result? Now Melvin can venture out into deeper coastal waters with more bountiful fish supplies, greatly increasing his catches, and his revenue stream. Beyond that, Melvin can now reach waters where lobsters thrive, and these local delicacies fetch a very high profit margin when sold to restaurants that cater to the tourist trade. Now Melvin has hired a helper, and his increased profits will help him employ others, and create a future for his children, providing opportunities for education and hope. When asked what he is most excited about, Melvin says he feels good that he is in a better position to help others in his community. Melvin was surviving…now he is thriving!
Way to go, Melvin!
Want to help provide hope and a future for hard working fathers? Remember, your donation is an investment…not a gift!
