JR De La Costa Liranzo

Prior to becoming involved with work with non-profits in the Dominican Republic, St. Marys resident and small business owner Carey Pope traveled to the Dominican Republic on vacation and soon realized there was a great need in the impoverished area of Cabarete on the North Coast.

Like in her store Pass It On in downtown St. Marys, it did not take Carey long to meet local community members who were passionate about making their communities and the world a better place. She felt a true connection with like-minded community members and has returned multiple times to volunteer in many of the local projects that focus on environmental sustainability and community outreach to children. These outreach projects help children learn the skills and values to develop future job opportunities and to become responsible community members. 

When Carey visits the Dominican Republic she purchases items from local artisans, pays them upfront, and then she brings them back to Canada to sell in her store as a fundraising initiative for many programs in Cabarete, contributing to it's well-being.

One such artist that Carey has developed a strong relationship with is JR De La Costa Liranzo. Among some of his amazing art pieces are the leather bracelets you can purchase here. He sources the leather from Santiago, Dominican Republic and each letter is individually hand stamped.

The artist has been paid in full and money from the sale of these bracelets is donated back to his community in support of Cabarete Sostenible.