SOUTH THOMASTON — Trekkers, a local outdoor-based youth mentoring organization, is offering students the opportunity to participate in an Equal Exchange Catalog Fundraiser. The families of all current students have the option of taking responsibility of their own fundraising with three student fundraisers per year. If a family participates in a student fundraiser, they receive a credit towards the student's annual dues. 

If you would like to purchase items for this fundraiser, reach out to a Trekkers student or family member or call the Trekkers office at 207-594-5095. All orders from the catalog need to be submitted to the Trekkers office by Friday, January 19. Students will be able to pick up their fulfilled orders after February 5, 2018 – in time for Valentine's Day delivery! Catalogs are available at the Trekkers office, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and located at 41 Buttermilk Drive in Thomaston.

Equal Exchange is a worker cooperative working directly with over 40 small farmer coops in Latin America, Africa and Asia to bring consumers amazing products. They are one of the largest worker co-operatives in the United States, and the world's largest worker-owned coffee roaster. They are focused on people and the improvement of the lives of small farmers. They offer organic and fairly traded coffee, chocolates, cocoas, teas, olive oil and gift wrap through their catalog fundraiser program.

The items are fairly priced and students make an excellent percentage towards their program dues on every product sold. It is a meaningful way to transform a fundraiser into a reflection of Trekkers values.

Trekkers is a non-profit outdoor-based six-year mentoring program that connects young people with caring adults through expeditionary learning, community service and adventure-based education. This year, Trekkers will serve more than 240 7th through 12th grade students from the communities of Cushing, Owls Head, Rockland, South Thomaston, St. George and Thomaston. For more information about Trekkers or the Equal Exchange Catalog Fundraiser, please visit www.trekkers.org or call the Trekkers office at (207) 594-5095.