Partnerships
Volunteering with The Vines Foundation means becoming a part of a transformative journey in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Volunteers play a critical role in our mission to promote sustainable development and community-centric progress. Benefits of volunteering include personal growth, community engagement, skill development, and networking opportunities.
In 2021, we formed a research partnership with the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. Each semester, The Vines Foundation works with undergraduate students in Professor Steve Reifenberg’s course, “International Development in Practice.”
Through the course, a team of 6-7 students forms a Development Advisory Team (DAT) and works with the Foundation to research best practices in development and human flourishing to help us better understand and serve the local community.
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Grupo de Empresas y Fundaciones
https://www.gdfe.org.ar/nuestros-socios/
We are delighted to announce that The Vines Foundation has joined as a member of GDEF (Group of Companies and Foundations), an association dedicated to promoting sustainable development. GDEF is a non-profit civil association formed by foundations and companies committed to the public good. Since 1995, GDEF has been working in Argentina to promote and professionalize Private Social Investment (PSI) initiatives.
Over the years, GDEF has provided society with numerous publications, offered our partners various learning and experience-sharing spaces, formed affinity groups, and held meetings and seminars of great significance in the sector.
It is crucial for The Vines Foundation to be part of GDEF for several reasons. Firstly, by joining GDEF, we gain access to valuable resources, tools, and training opportunities that enhance our ability to make a positive impact on sustainable development initiatives. Secondly, being part of a collaborative network allows us to exchange experiences, best practices, and innovative ideas with like-minded organizations, fostering mutual learning and growth. Lastly, our involvement in GDEF enables us to contribute to critical discussions and initiatives that shape the landscape of private social investment and sustainable development in Argentina. Together with GDEF, we are committed to driving positive change and building a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
The Vines Foundation is pleased to announce the signing of a framework agreement for participation and collaboration with the Municipality of Tunuyan, where our resort and vineyards are located. This agreement is significant as it promotes public-private participation and commitment, accompanying us in information, management, education, and promotion of activities and initiatives undertaken by the Foundation.
Emphasizing the collaborative work set to begin in May, the agreement focuses on the joint operation of the Foundation’s mobile veterinary unit with the municipality. This collaboration aims to address community needs regarding the management of castration and treatment of dogs and cats. This partnership provides technical justification for the implementation of a mass sterilization program within a framework where the Foundation promotes the primary objective of the well-being of the community and companion animals.
The proposed program is expected to have far-reaching benefits:
Animal Welfare
Slows uncontrolled animal population growth. Reduces undesirable behaviors related to hormonal changes. Lowers the risk of disease transmission among animals.
Community Health
Reduces the epidemiological risk of zoonotic diseases. Decreases incidents of traffic accidents caused by stray dogs. Mitigates animal aggression and bites. Minimizes environmental pollution caused by waste disposal.
Wildlife Preservation
Reduces predation by domestic animals on wildlife. Lowers the likelihood of infections and infestations affecting wild
animal populations.
Moreover, the program allows for comprehensive animal health care through preventive veterinary medicine, complementing existing municipal, provincial, and national health programs. The participation of pet owners provides valuable data for sanitary and epidemiological research, leading to the implementation of additional health programs
for both animals and humans in the communities.
Furthermore, through educational initiatives, we aim to cultivate a sense of responsibility within the community, both before and after acquiring a companion animal. By emphasizing factors such as adequate space, time, knowledge, and resources needed for pet ownership, we encourage informed decision-making and responsible pet care practices.
Ultimately, the systematic and sustained implementation of these initiatives fosters responsible pet ownership, enhancing the quality of life for both the community and companion animals, and improving their health and well-being.
Partnership with the National University of Cuyo and the Agrarian Science Faculty
The Vines Foundation is proud to announce our partnership with the National University of Cuyo and its esteemed Agrarian Science Faculty. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our mission
to support and uplift the Tunuyán community. By combining the academic expertise and resources of the university with our on-the-ground initiatives, we are poised to make a lasting impact on food security and community development in the Uco Valley.
Empowering Through Education and Resources
Through this partnership, we are working closely with the faculty and students to provide invaluable support to our soup kitchens and our future community center. The university’s agrarian experts are offering their guidance and knowledge to help local families establish sustainable gardens, hen houses, rabbit farms, and goat herds. This
initiative aims to ensure that children in the community have access to the essential proteins and nutrients needed for their healthy development.
Building a Sustainable Future
One of the key goals of this collaboration is to empower families to achieve food independence. By equipping them with the skills and resources to produce their own food, we are fostering a sense of self-reliance and sustainability. The students and faculty members are conducting studies, providing materials, and offering hands-on training to help families cultivate their gardens and care for their animals. This practical education is essential in helping the community transition from reliance on external aid to becoming producers in their own right.
Economic Opportunities and Community Growth
In addition to improving food security, this partnership opens up new economic opportunities for local families. Thanks to an agreement with the local government, the families who participate in these programs will have the chance to sell their surplus produce and animal products in the municipality’s producer market area. This initiative not only provides
a source of income but also promotes local entrepreneurship and economic growth.
A Holistic Approach to Community Development
The collaboration between The Vines Foundation, the National University of Cuyo, and the Agrarian Science Faculty embodies a holistic approach to community development. By integrating education, practical skills training, and economic opportunities, we are addressing multiple facets of poverty and food insecurity. This partnership exemplifies the power of combining academic knowledge with grassroots efforts to create sustainable, community-driven change.
We are excited about the potential of this partnership to transform lives and build a stronger, more resilient community in the Uco Valley. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a future where every family has the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to thrive.