The Trócaire’s box appeal this Lent is focused on Ilma and Julio’s

family, who live in a small village in the department of Alta Verapaz in

central Guatemala. This small Maya Qʼeqchi community is made up of 24

families and its name ‘La Paz’ means peace, but community are being

pushed further into poverty by climate change. The cycle of drought and

tropical storms are destroying crops and livelihoods.

The community eat the food they grow but cardamom crop is sold as

their main source of income. Last year, the cardamom crop was damaged by

drought and then washed away by floods. Maize had been planted but it

was destroyed by drought. Families like Ilma and Julio’s have been

completely upended by this prolonged drought.

Your support is vital …. MORE