Tag Archives: Peru

The Most Enthusiastic President

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Elizabeth Villanueva Diaz was named president of her handicraft assocation becaue of her enthusiasm for moving forward. Photo courtesy of Heifer Peru

Photo courtesy of Heifer Peru

Elizabeth Villanueva Diaz joined with other mothers in the high Andes of Peru to start a handicraft association. She was named president because of her enthusiasm for education and building a better life for herself and her son.

The women raise alpacas and llamas and sell the textiles they make from the animal’s wool. Heifer Peru supports the group through training, which helps the women gain skills and knowledge.

Elizabeth says what she learns must be shared with her fellow workers and young girls too. By teaching young women to knit, she spreads strength and teaches them to never give up on their goals.

You can help build a sustainable life for women in Peru 

Guinea Pigs and Gardens Sustain Families in Peru

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Heifer Peru participants are learning to care for guinea pigs and maintain gardens, which will help support their families when the coffee harvest is slim due to coffee rust, disease or plague. Guinea pigs provide protein and additional income. Alfalfa, cabbage, celery, onion, spinach and other vegetables grown sustainably in bio-gardens support nutritious diets for families and their livestock.

Peru

Martina Sanchez Barrios, 26, with one of the family’s guinea pigs. Photo by Jake Lyell Photography

Help families in Peru build a sustainable future

Last Chance to Win a Trip to Peru

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Today’s the day – the deadline to enter Garnet Hill’s Pass on the Gift in Peru Sweepstakes.

The grand prize winner will get an all-inclusive trip for two to the ancient Incan Empire capital of Cuzco. For seven days, they will work hand in hand with Heifer to foster sustainable development in the community while experiencing the country’s colorful culture through exclusive guided tours.

Heifer International - Alpacas in Peru

The trip includes an introduction to Heifer International’s alpaca projects in the Andean region near Cuzco. The winner will participate in and learn about all facets of alpaca care including feeding, tending to pasture and the business associated with the sale of their exceptionally soft wool to make blankets, ponchos, hats and carpets which ensures a sustainable way of life for struggling families.

For Heifer International, development is about creating a world free of hunger and poverty, where families in need thrive under their own energy and entrepreneurial spirit—on their own terms. Heifer International began activities in Peru in 1963 and its partnership with Garnet Hill began in 2009.

To learn more or to enter the Pass on the Gift® in Peru Sweepstakes, you can visit garnethill.com.

Last Week to Pass on the Gift in Peru with Garnet Hill

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Over the last few weeks, we’ve told you about a unique chance take a special trip and Pass on the Gift in Peru with our corporate partner Garnet Hill. 

For nearly 30 years, Garnet Hill has worked with like-minded organizations to improve communities and better peoples’ lives. They are now providing an opportunity to send one lucky person and a guest to Peru to see Heifer’s work firsthand on the trip of a lifetime. You have until March 12th at 11:59 p.m. to enter Pass on the Gift with Garnet Hill.

So how do you Pass on the Gift in Peru? Check out our how-to enter blog here. 

Learn more about this amazing opportunity from Garnet Hill.

Note: The above link will take you to Garnet Hill’s website in a new window.

Pass on the Gift in Peru with Garnet Hill and Heifer

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Pass on the Gift in Peru

For nearly 30 years, Garnet Hill has worked with like-minded organizations to improve communities and better peoples’ lives. And for nearly 70 years, Heifer International has worked with communities around the world to end hunger and poverty and care for the Earth. It is this shared desire to strengthen communities, at home and abroad, that forged the partnership between the distinguished catalog merchandiser and the global humanitarian organization.

In 2009 Garnet Hill asked their customers’ opinion on what charitable initiative they would choose to support. The number one choice was the elimination of hunger, and Heifer became the natural choice. With their customers’ generous support, Garnet Hill has made significant contributions to Heifer’s work around the world.

Now, Garnet Hill has developed a promotion to send one lucky person and a guest to Peru to see Heifer’s work firsthand on the trip of a lifetime — while also making a difference in the lives of others. Work hand in hand with Heifer International to foster sustainable development in the ancient Incan Empire capital of Cuzco, and learn about the country’s colorful culture through exclusive guided tours.

Learn more about an amazing opportunity from Garnet Hill.

Note: The above link will take you to Garnet Hill’s website in a new window.

Win a Trip to Heifer Peru!

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Win a Trip of a Lifetime to Peru from Garnet Hill and Heifer International!

I’ve been there; trust me, you want to win this!

Trip for Two Includes Visit to Heifer’s Alpaca Projects Near Cuzco

Win a trip to Heifer Peru

Photo by Jake Lyell, courtesy of Heifer International

Life Changing Chance to Live and Learn for Seven Days in Ancient Peru

Garnet Hill and Heifer International are proud to announce the Pass on the Gift® in Peru Sweepstakes, which will award one grand prize winner with an all-inclusive trip for two to the ancient Incan Empire capital of Cuzco. For seven days, they will work hand-in-hand with Heifer to foster sustainable development in the community while experiencing the country’s colorful culture through exclusive guided tours. To learn more or to enter the Pass on the Gift® in Peru Sweepstakes, please visit garnethill.com. Visit the site every Wednesday through March 12 for a chance to win a $500 Garnet Hill gift card, and earn up to five extra entries toward the grand prize.

Win a trip to Heifer Peru

Photo by Cindy Jones-Nyland, courtesy of Heifer International.

“We have designed a trip that will be inspirational and transformative, not only for the vibrant and historic culture of Cuzco, but also for the opportunity to work alongside and break bread with a Heifer International family. The winner will participate first hand in one of Heifer International’s projects in Peru that, like all of the organization’s global initiatives, aims to significantly improve the livelihoods of families and communities,” said Marleen New, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for Heifer International.

Win a trip to Heifer Peru

Photo by Jake Lyell, courtesy of Heifer International.

The trip includes an introduction to Heifer International’s alpaca projects in the Andean region near Cuzco. The winner will participate in and learn about all facets of alpaca care including feeding; tending to pasture; and the business associated with the sale of their exceptionally soft wool to make blankets, ponchos, hats and carpets, which ensures a sustainable way of life for struggling families.

For Heifer International, development is about creating a world free of hunger and poverty, where families in need thrive under their own energy and entrepreneurial spirit—on their own terms.

Win a trip to Heifer Peru

Photo by Cindy Jones-Nyland, courtesy of Heifer International.

Wendy Thayer, public relations manager for Garnet Hill, added, “This really is the trip of a lifetime. It’s a remarkable opportunity for the winner to play a role in helping to end hunger and poverty for a Heifer family. Garnet Hill is thrilled to offer such an authentic way for our customers to engage with our partner in Cuzco.”

Heifer International began activities in Peru in 1963 and continues to support urban and rural communities and small-farmer organizations to improve their quality of life. Peru’s diverse cultural patterns are based on solidarity and reciprocity. Thus, Heifer’s approach to sharing resources is a key element to achieve just and sustainable development. Today, Heifer Peru works in Piura, Lambayeque, Cerro de Pasco, Lima, Junin, Huancavelica, Cuzco, Apurimac and Puno, and has assisted more than 40,000 families. Heifer’s partnership with Garnet Hill began in 2009.

Win a trip to Heifer Peru

Photo by Jake Lyell, courtesy of Heifer International.

To learn more or to enter the Pass on the Gift® in Peru Sweepstakes, please visit garnethill.com.

Who would you take? Tell us in the comments section!

Dolores Delgado Receives Heifer International Golden Talent Award in Peru

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Heifer International Golden Talent Award Dolores Delgado

Photo courtesy of Heifer International

Dolores Delgado, from Peru’s Huachacay community, was recognized as a 2012 Heifer International Golden Talent Award winner for her exemplary work in guinea pig breeding. The association she formed now has 36 members, both men and women. Dolores’s “all or nothing” philosophy is an inspiration for many in her community.

Find out how you can help families in Peru improve their lives.

Heifer International Alpaca Breeders Win Awards at Festival in Peru

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Heifer International Peru

Photo by Dave Anderson, Courtesy of Heifer International

Alpaca breeders gathered to show their livestock and sell their woolen goods at the first-ever Paqocha Raymi Alpaca Festival in October 2012. Two breeders involved in Heifer’s Alpaca Biodiversity in High Andean Communities project won awards for the high caliber of their animals. One of the awards was fourth place in an international alpaca contest. The recovery of the colored alpaca is one of the project’s components, and participants are working to improve and reestablish the value and breeding of colored alpacas.

How to Dye Yarn with Food Coloring

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Every week we feature a fun and/or educational activity you can try at home or in the classroom. 

How to Dye Yarn with Food Coloring

Dye Yarn with Food Coloring

Photo courtesy of Heifer International

Food coloring can dye protein-based fibers like alpaca and llama wool. Dying bare yarn is a great way to customize your yarn for knitting and crafting projects. Food coloring is a relatively inexpensive and non-toxic way to color your yarn.

More about Llamas and Alpacas

Llamas and alpacas serve a myriad of purposes for South American families. These domesticated animals are suited for conditions in the Andes and provide a sustainable source of income for their owners. Their wool, prized for its thickness and warmth, is woven into an array of handicrafts, such as scarves, ropes, hats, bags and blankets.These hardy creatures work as pack animals, carrying up to 30 percent of their body weight. Their feet, which have thickly padded undersides like a dog’s foot, don’t damage the delicate high-altitude topsoil and vegetation of the Andes, and their droppings enrich the soil.

Dye Yarn with Food Coloring

Photo courtesy of Knitpicks.com

Materials:

  • Bare yarn
  • A large pot
  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • Food coloring
  • Stove top
  • Rubber gloves
  • Large spoon to stir

Begin by creating a water-vinegar dye bath by adding 1/4 cup of vinegar to the mix for every quart of water. Soak the yarn in the mixture for half an hour.

Remove the yarn from the mixture and place in a plastic bowl. Next, heat the water-vinegar mixture until it begins to boil. Pour in dye. You will use more than you think you need because it will be dispersed through the water.

Add the yarn to pot again. Let it simmer until the yarn has absorbed the color in the dye bath. When this happens, turn off the heat and let the water return to room temperature. After the bath has cooled, remove the yarn. Wring out the extra water and rinse the yarn with cool water, letting the extra dye run off.

Hang your yarn to dry. A sweater or a clothesline works great, just make sure the yarn isn’t bunched up.

Heifer Peru is improving lives by working on a biodiversity project with alpacas. Heifer’s Alpaca Biodiversity in High Andean Communities project participants are working to improve and reestablish the value and breeding of colored alpacas. Read how the biodiversity project is helping Lucio’s family in Peru. For more project details, see this World Ark article.

For more details about dying yarn, read this article.

Give the gift of a llama and provide a Peruvian family with a sustainable income.

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Animal Care

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When a family becomes a Heifer project participant, it almost always involves animals. We’re known around the globe for providing livestock and training to help smallholder farmers overcome hunger and poverty. These animals provide much-needed nutrition, but they also serve as catalysts that improve the family’s livelihood through the sale of wool, milk, honey, or the like, allowing a family to improve their living conditions and attain more education.

Animal care

Mrs. Madeline Nole Quispe of Peru at her veterinary medicine cabinet. Photo by Jake Lyell, courtesy of Heifer International.

But these small farmers cannot do it alone. To keep their livestock healthy and viable, families need access to veterinary services and expertise; but in many countries this animal care is limited or non-existent. This is where community animal health workers come in. These “para-vets” learn valuable skills like animal health, husbandry, breeding, nutrition and housing, and they can fill an important need when local professional veterinary care isn’t available.

Irene Pandosen is a community animal health worker who helps Heifer project participants in the Philippines. Right after her training concluded in 2010, she was put to the test when almost all of the swine in her community were inflicted with a viral disease that affects pregnant pigs and causes miscarriage, premature birth, or even death of the mother and piglets. Irene coordinated closely with the provincial veterinary office to control the outbreak, and as a result, only four pigs owned by the project participants died (compared to more than 50 owned by non-members).

Animal care

Irene with her family and sow. Photo by Jun Dom-oguen, courtesy of Heifer International.

“The epidemic was the turning point. [Prior to the outbreak] most of the families doubted my knowledge. They would ask me things about animal diseases and how to control them, and then go to the veterinarian and ask the same question to see if my answers and explanations were the same,” Irene said. “I take every opportunity to learn so that I can give good service. I talk to veterinarians and research every time I find an opportunity. I take learning as my responsibility to my group and to the community as well.”

Irene has gone on to become a local expert in artificial insemination. This technology means safer and more efficient breeding of pigs — farmers no longer need to transport large boars over poor roads and rugged terrain. Farmers pay Irene directly for her artificial insemination services, and she has seen her income increase about 15 fold as this enterprise has grown to include other members of her family.

This year, you can donate a Community Animal Health Worker Kit to provide quality animal care through our gift catalog. For $200 (or $20 for a share of a kit), you can honor a loved one with a gift that helps people like Irene care for livestock in the communities where Heifer works.

This post is part of our What to Give series, where we’re helping you choose the best Heifer gift for your loved ones. Read previous What to Give posts here, and subscribe to the What to Give series here.

Still don’t know what to give? Check out our entire online Gift Catalog.

Information for this post was contributed by Jun Dom-oguen and Karla Narcise-Rodulfo, Heifer Philippines

Animal Care Worker in the Philippines

A community animal health worker practices her trade at a Heifer project in Magupange Village, Philippines.

Community Animals Health Workers in the Philippines

Community animal health workers tend to a goat at a Heifer project in the Philippines.