Save the Date – Sunday July 17th we are holding our Peruvian Dinner fundraiser. After a two year absence we will hold a sit down dinner, with entertainment and a silent auction. Once again the marvelous Carla Tamayo Aragon will be the cook for the dinner. Come out to enjoy wonderful food, bid on Peruvian and local items and support the work we do with agencies in Arequipa. Tickets $40 each, children six to ten $20 and under six free. Available through an e-transfer to supcsociety@gmail.com or our donate button here : http://supcsociety.com/wordpress/donate/

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLe

We visited the Cuna Jardin, Corazon de Jesus and got an update from the Director. Since the start of Covid restrictions, there haven’t been any children at the Centre, but they’ve been able to construct additional buildings. A second, pre-fab, room was built for the two year olds to enable social distancing required by the Government. As well, a larger mult-purpose room has been completed, initially it was intended as a space for homework club for older children, library and a dining area. However, for now it will just be used as a dining area until the other activities can be resumed.

The intention is to have children return in March, the end of summer holidays, before Covid there were approximately 150 children at the Cuna Jardin. However, because of Government restrictions there will only be 70 this year. There is hope to be able to continue internet classes with some of the children who won’t be able to come in person. 

So far, the number of cases of the Omicron variant has been limited with authorities hoping to limit the spread through a widespread vaccination effort. However, both the rate of poverty, now at 27% and the rate of anaemia, especially amongst children has increased in the past two years.

Photos from the visit, with descriptions here:

https://pbase.com/tracyk/2022_02_16_visit_to_cuna_jardin

I visited IRID and talked with Mauricio, the acting Director, who oversees the daily activities at the centre. The founder Dra. Mary Luz still comes to the centre occasionally but not on a regular basis. Because of health restrictions I didn’t interact with the children, but toured the grounds. With additional funding work on the building to house older residents has resumed and a roof has been added. When completed the ground floor will have a central chapel and small shops where residents who are capable can work. The upper floor will have bedrooms and bathrooms. Currently there are 32 residents at the centre. By restricting interactions with the residents and by implementing careful health protocol none of the residents nor staff have contracted Covid.

To increase food security, they’ve acquired more animals including several sheep and two steers. Once all the animal pens are built they will also have pigs. Thieves have again entered and stolen building material, to prevent future thefts a fence to surround the whole property is being built and in addition to the guard geese there are now two guard dogs.

Thanks to all who support us through donations, attending our fundraising events and volunteering we were able to make a donation to IRID to help them with the above activities.

Photos from the visit here:

Our fundraising Peruvian items are selling, check out the updated list and buy before an item you like sells.

With the uncertainly of possible further health restrictions we have decided to cancel this year’s Latin Music Night. The need in Arequipa is still great, COVID-19 has created intense challenges for the Cuna Jardin and the IRID and we are trying hard to continue to provide them much needed support at this time. We are selling silver jewelry, children and adults Alpaca clothing and other marvelous Peruvian items. And as always, we will gratefully accept donations. please visit http://supcsociety.com/wordpress/donate/Orcontact a SUPC Board member of your choice. Items for sale in attached link with photos and prices, send a message to arrange payment and pick-up or delivery of your purchase.http://supcsociety.com/2021-Peru-Fundraiser-Photosprices.pdf

Thanks to all who bought tickets for our Peruvian brunch, despite restriction it was a great success. As always thanks to our wonderful Chef Carla Tamayo Aragon, her two helpers Violet and Taty. Also thanks to Board members Brandy, Carmen, Aisha and volunteers Hope and Tracy. We couldn’t have managed without all your work. Thanks also to the Cromdale Parkdale Community League and Susan and Michael who helped make it all happen.

Photos here:

https://pbase.com/tracyk/2021_06_13_peruvian_brunch

We are holding a pre-pay and pick up Peruvian Brunch on Sunday June 13th at Cromdale/Parkdale Community League Hall. Pick up between 11:00 and 2:00, all health regulations will be followed.

Buy tickets or make a donation. Thanks for all your support!

We were able to visit IRID, but because of Covid we didn’t interact with the residents, we toured the garden and animal area. IRID is becoming more food self-sufficient, growing a large variety of vegetables and also has more animals including hens for laying eggs but also sheep and rabbits which will eventually be used for food and once they’ve completed building a pig pen will also have pigs. They are composting waste material and using it to grow plants. During last year, it has been robbed three times – thieves took building material and also some of the outdoor equipment used by the children. The front of the premise is secure but the back area where the garden and animals are housed is open to surrounding fields. There’s now a camera security system and also “guard geese” as efficient as dogs at announcing intruders.

Link to pictures here:

https://pbase.com/tracyk/2021_03_02_irid_visit

Under the Covid-19 restrictions we held a scaled back Latin Music Night and silent auction at LAaCite Francophone. Thanks as always to musicians who volunteered to perform: Senor Vargas Project, Marco Claveria and Mariachi Mundo. Thanks as well to the volunteers, board members and those that bought tickets.

Pictures from the evening here:

https://pbase.com/tracyk/2020_10_04_latin_music_night_at_la_cite_fracophone

Our Latin Music Night & silent auction fundraiser this year is from 5:00 to 7:00  October 3rd at La Cite Francophone. It features Marco Claveria, Señora Vargas Project, and Mariachi Mundo.

BUY TICKETS – this will be a social distancing conscious event.

If you are not comfortable coming out please consider making a donation.