Need Help – Donation Request

Hi All

As some of you know I’m in Peru right now and plan to stay here few more weeks, mainly to help locals who lost their homes in recent floods event.

I need some help.

Well, not me personally, but a family I have got to know recently.
A week ago I volunteered with a group of travellers ripping down and cleaning the remains of homes in a tiny town near Cusco. A friend of mine found this village during a motorcycle trip as most of the roads are not laid out for cars very well and also quite narrow. It was quite a devastating day; Furniture covered with mud, broken toys lying on the ground, torn books & ripped clothing everywhere. Memories lost forever.

At the end of the day the old man who owns the house started crying like a baby in my arms. When we left he just stood there in his torn cloths sobbing his eyes out, looking a bit embarrassed. He asked us to come back.
He was actually begging. Some went back the next day but they all had to continue their trip so in few days I’ll be the only one who can help this family. The Peruvian government has to deal with more than 10,000 people who lost their homes so this poor family can forget about getting any local assistance.

I went back yesterday and made a list of what they need in order to rebuild their house and also to have some food to survive the coming months. I then checked with some people here: A small metal roof for example, cost only US$10…

I couldn’t believe it either. For the price of a CD or a movie this family can have a proper roof instead of the nylons they currently use. To be honest, you wouldn’t let a dog or horse living in these conditions. Imagine everything you have is taken away. Imagine sleeping in the cold. I have been seeing it all week and it really puts things into perspective.

I’ve currently collected $100 for to help build the house and to help the family survive the coming months. I’ve also built a website and put some photos/video of the family asking for your help:

http://www.helpingtheneedy.org/index.php/2010/02/12/cusco-floods/

If you are able to offer any help, as little as it can be, or if you know anyone in Cusco’s area who can join this life saving project, or even if you just want to drop me a line, please do so.

In any case, I hope all’s well wherever you are

Much love from Peru
Tal