Aura Cacia Launches 1% Organic Fund, Builds School in Madagascar

Aura Cacia, a leading essential oil brand, is celebrating the launch of its 1% Organic Fund. One percent of the sales of all Aura Cacia organic products funds projects that aid farmers and their communities. The first project associated with this fund is the Ambohimena School—a preschool for the children of families who pick organically grown ylang ylang flowers near the village of Ambohimena, Madagascar. Before the school was built, the nearest option for early childhood education was more than seven miles away. Aura Cacia worked with local educators and social workers to make the school a reality. “While visiting Madagascar, we learned that over half of the children come from single parent homes” says Aura Cacia senior brand manager, Jane Merten. “Being a single parent is a challenge in the United States. Just imagine what it’s like in a third world country. Traveling to the source helped us make personal connections with the farmers which uncovered what their real concerns are—the future of their children.” The Ambohimena School has two rooms, one for 2- and 3-year olds and one for 4- and 5-year olds, and accommodates up to 60 children. The first year salaries for the school’s two teachers are also paid for by Aura Cacia’s 1% fund. The program promotes the sustainable production of natural and organic products and creates partnerships built upon a mutual respect for quality botanicals and sound social and environmental principles. By bringing high quality, socially responsible products to the marketplace, the program gives consumers the opportunity to use their purchases to influence the way the world does business.