We support Ayudando Abrigando, a non-profit based in Peru and run entirely by high school students, that collects plastic bottles and transforms them into polyester fiber. That fiber becomes blankets, socks, and ponchos, delivered to families living in Peru’s cold mountain regions
We support Casa Khuyana, the first pediatric hospice in Peru and the third in Latin America. They provide pediatric palliative care and comprehensive support to children who receive a terminal medical diagnosis, and to their families.
We believe that anyone can be an artist. Creating art brings joy to the person making it — and when that art is sold to support a cause, it helps others too. Every piece our members create, from painted Wakos to handmade crochet, is proof that creativity and generosity go hand in hand.
In Peru’s mountain communities, winter temperatures can be severe. Through Ayudando Abrigando, every Wako and handmade item we sell helps fund blankets, jackets, socks and warm essentials for children and families. Help us transform creativity into warmth—one family at a time.
ABOUT AYUDANDO ABRIGANDOAny small help matters. When it’s not possible to add days to a child’s life, we can always add life to the days they have. Help us give children at Casa Khuyana a place to spend their time surrounded by family, love, and the support they need.
ABOUT CASA KHUYANA
PROJECTS
From painted Wakos to handmade crochet, every piece our members create supports Ayudando Abrigando and Casa Khuyana — bringing warmth to families and comfort to children across Peru
Wow Annabella, this is incredible. It is so special for us to see the work you have put in with your POD group come to fruition, in person, and in Peru, nonetheless. So cool.
Looking through the photos, the impact you and your peers are having on the children you are supporting is vividly evident. It put such a big smile on our faces to see all the happy children and to see how much joy it was bringing to the teachers and volunteers as well. We also really love that you decided to do the fleece in blue so it is useful as part of their school uniform—great idea, very thoughtful.
It makes us so proud to know that our students are out in the world making such a tangible impact on communities worldwide. It’s a true testament to the power of our community.
Lastly, the point you make about these experiences’ ability to foster our own innate desire to help out and make the world a better place is so important. The more we contribute, the more we get inspired, and the more we inspire others. It’s a beautiful cycle. Keep up the excellent work!
It is truly inspiring to see the growing support for Wako Ayudando. This started as a small initiative by St. George’s student, Annabella, and her mom, Wendy and has now grown into something that is widely
supported by the St. George’s community. Not only have our students raised support and awareness but some have even travelled to Peru to experience their direct impact. Giving back to the community, near or far, is an important characteristic we hope to foster in all young people and I know St. George’s students have learned so much by being a part of the Wako Ayudando POD. As an educator and the Principal of St. George’s High School, I could not be more proud of our students.
I wanted to give a special thank you to Wako Ayudando for being a wonderful addition to our celebration. Your initiative makes a tangible difference in the lives of others through student artwork and creativity. We would love to welcome you back.
I wanted to give a special thank you to the club Wako Ayudando at St. George’s School. Thank you specially to Annabella Alperstein and her team, it’s been an amazing ride.
Your club has helped us for 3 years at this point, and it has been our pleasure to work alongside you guys. For the past few years you have helped us with your 3D-printed Wakos, and you’ve come to Peru once a year, and to us that means a lot because it demonstrates that there are other people, such as ourselves, that are willing to help the Peruvian community. I deeply want to say thank you.
As soon as we learned about Wako Ayudando, we were touched by the fact that there are young people with such a strong desire to serve others and help vulnerable communities.
When we spoke with Annabella, she told us they wanted to support Casa Khuyana by raising funds for essential equipment for our home. We were so excited to learn about the activities they organized to raise money and how they brought an entire community together to make this support possible.
Thanks to their efforts, we received wheelchairs, shower chairs, and overbed tables — equipment that will help us provide better care for the children and support their families.
Finally, Annabella, Hailley, and Joy traveled all the way from Canada to the Sacred Valley to visit Casa Khuyana in Calca. And they didn’t just come to meet us; they also rolled up their sleeves and helped assemble the equipment they had worked so hard to make possible. Seeing them so personally involved in our mission was truly special.
They left us with that beautiful feeling of knowing that, on the other side of the world, there are people who believe in what we do and find meaningful ways to help us bring our mission to life.
Thank you, girls, and thank you to the entire Wako Ayudando community for your generosity, commitment, and kindness. You remind us that distance doesn’t matter when people come together for a cause, and that together, we really can make the world a better place.
Wow Annabella, this is incredible. It is so special for us to see the work you have put in with your POD group come to fruition, in person, and in Peru, nonetheless. So cool.
