New England Coffee Raises Money for Burn Victim
February 2011
Juan Camilo Prada, 18 years old, visited New England Coffee during the week of December 13, 2010. Juan grew up in Cali, Colombia in a house that did not have electricity. In order to illuminate the house, his family used a container filled with A.C.P.M. (a type of kerosene.) Approximately eight years ago, Juan was home when the container filled with the kerosene fuel caught fire and caused the entire house to go up in flames. Juan suffered severe burns to his entire body and face.
After Juan was rescued from the fire, he was transported to a local hospital where he spent the next five months. Juan says, "Those were the most horrible days of my life." During Juan's stay at the hospital in Colombia, the doctors reconstructed most of his body. Unfortunately, he was still badly disfigured.
Juan's story was featured in a Colombian newspaper, sparking the Prince Hall Shriners Foundation to contact Juan. The Shriners Foundation helped Juan acquire a visa to come to the United States for further reconstruction surgery for his face and month in early 2010.
Recently, Juan came back to the United States for an additional surgery to his mouth. To help with medical costs, employees of New England Coffee raised $2,685.00 for Juan Camilo Prada and presented the check to him on December 23, 2010.
About New England Coffee:
Headquartered in Malden, Massachusetts, New England Coffee was founded in 1916 by the Kaloyanides and Dostou families. As New England's largest independent coffee roaster the company prides itself on buying and selling premium coffee and providing the best service possible. New England Coffee packaged coffee is available in supermarkets across the U.S. and brewed at more than 5,000 foodservice locations. Using only the finest Arabica beans, we offer superb blends, delicious flavored coffees, full-bodied dark roasts, whole bean and exotic blends from locations such as Colombia, Brazil and Costa Rica. Visit www.newenglandcoffee.com for more information or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @NE_Coffee.