Life, culture, our living energy, in times past the Incas had a word for these three most sacred of human traits; Kawsay.
Kawsay must be guarded and cared after, it is essential in our development as a society and for this reason we at Karikuy have named our new aid and philanthropy program exactly that. Two projects are currently being planned under the Kawsay program, Project Animu (Life) and Project Runapakuy (Culture).
Project Animu
Peru is at the front lines of global climate change. Puno, the south western province of Peru has been hardest hit by a long winter of freezing temperatures. At the mercy of the bitter cold spell have been the children of the Altiplano who simply haven’t the strength to survive the coldest winters in the history of Puno. It has been estimated that over 150 children have died since January of this year due to respiratory infections and colds that go uncared for.
Global Warmings first human victims; the children of Puno.
It is estimated that over 30,000 people in Puno have been affected by viruses due to global climate change and that over 300 kids in Puno are currently suffering from pneumonia.
This month Karikuy will begin accepting cash donations to buy sweaters and blankets for the children of Puno. Our goal is to provide warmth to every child in the Altiplano and if possible shoes and thermal underwear as well. Once this goal is met we will begin handing out clothes to the adult population. We will only accept cash donations due to logistics; for every blanket you buy at the store and send to Peru you could be buying 10+ blankets domestically inside Peru. Transportation and product costs are too high for us to accept mail donations. We will be documenting the drive through our blog and YouTube Channel. Look for more information on Project Animu this month on our website.
Project Runapakuy
“The Karikuy-Haugen Fund”
Every year hundreds of Inca Trail porters carry heavy equipment of up to 25 kilos on their backs. The Inca Trail, one of the most beautiful and literally breathtaking trails on Earth, could not be done with out the help of these Supermen, the majority of whom have never even visited the ruins of Machu Picchu themselves. That’s right after hiking the trail multiple times per month they are robbed of the one experience, the one inspiration and goal that drives the rest of us to finish the difficult trail; reaching Machu Picchu.
The Supermen as they are often reffered to on the Trail; The porters of the Inca Trail.
That’s where Karikuy comes in, with the help of travel writer Joanna Haugen we are setting up a fund to pay for admission, transportation and tour for these hard working Peruvians who deserve more then any to see the worlds great wonder, to truly enjoy this symbol of Peruvian patrimony and heritage. You see the cost of visiting the ruins is expensive for many Peruvians, in fact only a small percentage of the Peruvian population has ever visited the site which is considered a luxury. We see it more then fitting to be able to give free trips to the ruins to those who deserve it the most. Again later this month look for a donation page that will be linked to our home page, there you will find more information on how you can help.
These are just two of the many programs we will have in the future to help and advance the well being of Peruvians. I have said many times that my vision of Karikuy will be more then just a travel company, but that of a role model to today’s companies. To show them how they can help impact their industries by helping the society around them, the culture that makes up the fabric of the environment in which we live and experience life.
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