October 3, 2007

Roots of Peace CEO meets Pope Benedict XVI

Heidi Kuhn, Founder and CEO of Roots of Peace, had personal audience with Pope Benedict XVI today at the Vatican where the world leader recognized Roots of Peace’s efforts to convert deadly minefields into bountiful agricultural lands in war-torn countries

ROME, ITALY, October 3, 2007 – Heidi Kuhn, Founder and CEO of Roots of Peace, had personal audience with Pope Benedict XVI today at the Vatican where the world leader recognized Roots of Peace’s efforts to convert deadly minefields into bountiful agricultural lands in war-torn countries. Gifts presented to His Holiness included dried fruits-nuts harvested from the mine-affected country of Afghanistan where Roots of Peace has restored the age-old cycle of planting, cultivating and harvesting. Also given was a personally signed bottle of Robert Mondavi, Cabernet Sauvignon 2003. Robert Mondavi was among many prominent Napa Valley vintners who were first to support Roots of Peace’ mission. Additional members joining the delegation to the Vatican were Kyleigh Kuhn, co-founder of the Roots of Peace Penny Campaign and Flavia Taggiasco, Roots of Peace European Director, and Father Kevin Longworth of St. Patricks Monastery, Kiltegan, Ireland.

Kuhn founded Roots of Peace ten years ago with a mission to rid the world of landmines by transforming minefields into thriving farmland – literally turning "Mines into Vines" and restoring the promise of hope and prosperity to afflicted communities throughout the world. Since 1997, Kuhn has worked tirelessly to implement humanitarian programs in rural communities emerging from prolonged conflict in the countries of Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, Croatia, and Iraq. In Afghanistan, one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, Roots of Peace has cleared over 11 million square meters of land, removed over 100,000 landmines and unexploded ordinance, and directly assisted over 7,000 fruit and nut farmers to return to cultivating their land which has resulted in increasing their incomes by 30-100%.

Kuhn also co-founded the Roots of Peace “Penny Campaign” with her teenaged daughter, Kyleigh, and San Francisco Bay Area ABC 7 News Anchor, Cheryl Jennings. The Penny Campaign mobilizes youth to raise awareness about the global landmine issue and collect “pennies for peace” to help kids in war-torn countries have safe schools and soccer fields. Through the game of soccer, we help young and old strive to build on the peace initiative and strengthen communities through mutual human values such as sportsmanship, fair play and teamwork.

For more information about Heidi Kuhn and Roots of Peace, please visit www.rootsofpeace.org.