Peru went into ‘lockdown’ on March 16th, which is having a significant impact on the country as a whole, and especially on those most vulnerable. 

The families and children we work with already live in difficult conditions and so the threat of COVID-19 has exacerbated these difficulties exponentially. Most do not have access to sufficient food supplies, and what little they do have cannot be stored safely or hygienically. It's summertime in Peru and most live in single room huts with tin roofs with no ventilation; the heat for many is unbearable. It is reaching 42 degrees on some days and they of course have no air conditioning or even fans to escape the claustrophobic conditions.

In order to help address some of these immediate concerns, I have put together with our onsite team, The Life Box Appeal. 

These life packs will contain essentials like dry storage (and where possible fresh) food, cleaning products, medical kits, hand gel, gloves and masks and fans to help these families get through the next few months. 

Funds raised will go towards the original 'Life Boxes' which will cost £150 for a family of up to 6 people and follow up food and water packages to be delivered weekly.

Funds raised will also pay for transport costs and hygiene equipment for our staff distributing the packs.

At our children's home, our manager is shopping and delivering food to the kids and house Mum to ensure they are kept safe, so funds will also ensure her costs and safety are taken care of.

At this difficult time, please spare a moment and help support people who do not have comfortable homes to wait this situation out in, they do not have fridges full of food, they do not have income now as their lively hood as fishermen and market sellers has of course now been stopped and they are scared and suffering. 

Anything you feel you can spare to help our teams get essentials to our families will be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!

From all of us at Kiya Survivors, we hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe, wherever you are in the world and at whatever stage of ‘lockdown’ you might be in!