Talita Kum is a registered charity in Peru that provides shelter and access to schooling for twenty abandoned children. Children range in ages from two to eighteen and all are there through no fault of their own.

The youngest is two years’ old and has been living in the home since she was 13 days old. Her father died while her mother was pregnant and her mother died a few days after she was born.

It is not a ‘business’, the organisation is run by a missionary nun for the benefit of the children. Local volunteers make cookies and other items with the children which are sold to help with the upkeep.

We are supporting Talita Kum with their basic needs and also with some treats. This includes:

Financial: paying the building rent and school transport costs.

Providing food and hygiene products.

Christmas party on the 23rd December:

Christmas meal

o Games in the street with a children’s entertainer

o Personalised gifts (delivered by Santa). The children are writing a letter to Santa and this year they will get what they have asked.

Arranging a day out to visit a zoo.

Next year, our aim is to support the construction of a larger home. Currently, it is just two rooms for living, eating and sleeping.

I set up this page in response to people generously asking how they can help.

In Peru, we are asking for help with food, hygiene products, clothing, shoes, games and presents.

In the UK, financial donations will directly benefit the children:

£15 pays for a child’s school transport for a month.

£10 provides a school uniform.

£3 provides meal for a day.

All donations go directly to Talita Kum.

** Update **

The support from Sister Maria at Talita Kum and my own team has been excellent. I would also like to thank Jessica Granda, the CLC Pedro Arrupe group in Peru and our supporters in the UK. Your involvement and financial support really does make a difference. It is becoming a shared goal. Special thanks for the support provided by James at Polar Insight and Mirelle at Relle Yoga.

The team went on the first shopping expedition to the huge central market to track down and buy the exact toys asked for. They had the list and checked it twice. They got lost a couple of times, but met with friendly vendors and now have most of the items.... a pink lion has yet to be found! Most importantly, they all had a great time and came back smiling.

Yesterday I was driving in the snow, collecting donations. Two very kind ladies filled my car with unicorns, bears, dress up outfits, school shirts, shoes! Very special thanks to Mirelle of Relle Yoga and Stacey and her family.

Plans have been a little disrupted with the recent social unrest in Peru, but the team were out buying the last gifts, as well as party food and some basic necessities for the home.

The party was a great success and a very happy and emotional day for all the team. On arrival we were immediately greeted with lots of hugs and joy. We quickly prepared the room, assembling and decorating a Christmas tree in record time and putting the presents underneath.

The entertainer was brilliant and the room was filled with noise and laughter as the children chased balloons, played games and took turns being inside a giant bubbles. Most of the Advantage team joined in too.

While the party took place, we prepared the meal:

Turkey, with rice, potato salad and apple and sweet potato puree. The turkeys were prepared by 'team turkey' and roasted by a local bakery.

This was followed by hot chocolate and cup cakes.

After the meal we called each child to collect and open their presents. The other children clapped and chanted open it and were super excited for the person receiving the gift. This was amazing to see. There were a few happy tears and happy dances. Several children hugged and thanked each member of the team. The smiles were absolutely priceless.

We kept a bike hidden until the very end. Hector made a show of being forgetful and then made a grand entrance.... riding into the room to shouts of delight.

We did not want to leave.

Zoo trip

This was slightly delayed due to riots taking place in the country, but went ahead on the 27th Jan. A fantastic time!

Many thanks to James of Polar Insight Ltd. and Mirelle of Relle Yoga for your brilliant support.

This is just the beginning.

Sister Maria does amazing work and had dedicated her life to helping the children. It is our privilege to share their story and to continue to support.

Other recent activities:

- A retailer has agreed to sell bags that the children decorate.

- We arranged for a local artisan to give a workshop on embroidery.

- We are helping with the home's social media and local fund raising.

A huge, huge thanks to all everyone involved.

About Us

Advantage Market Intelligence Ltd is a small company based in Peru and UK. We chose to support Talita Kum because they do fantastic work and genuinely need help to continue. As well as supporting with the basic needs, we also want to provide a little 'magic and fun' as well.

https://www.advantagemi.co.uk/

Thank you

Kevin Simmonds

Managing Director