Baby formula for HIV+ teen mothers in Lima, Peru

Happy Solstice to all of our Global Giving supporters! Here is an update on our VIDA activities in May!

After several weeks of sending out our VIDA truck, collecting rounds and rounds of donations throughout the Bay Area, we sorted and shipped off three jam-packed 40' containers to Lima, Peru.

The first container carried nearly $1 million in value of typically donated and much needed medical supplies and some hard-to-come-by medical equipment.

The second container carried over $3 million in donated children's clothing from our giving partner Gymboree as part of their international philanthropic efforts.

Both containers will benefit the projects in the Cuzco region including our newest program Policlinico Belen, operated by nuns who are caring for single mothers, their children and many orphans. Earlier in 2012 VIDA equipped the Belen clinic with 10 hospital beds, 4 exam tables and other needed equipment and supplies.

Given the large number of below poverty level children in need in the Cusco region, the Gymboree donation is particularly important given the recent onset of winter. The container included sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets and pants to help protect the children from the cold winter. Two of our VIDA volunteers will be visiting this project and other projects to document the impact of the donations.

A third container carrying medical supplies left the port of Oakland in late May carrying much needed medical supplies including vitamins and antibiotics for distribution throughout 90 micro-clinics in Peru.

Delivery of the containers cost about $6-10K to ship based on destination and weight. Your Global Giving donations make it possible to deliver the containers to Peru. Last year we shipped 42 containers. Our goal this year is 50. We are capable of delivering 70+containers of supplies but must raise the funds for each container.

If your company is in a position to sponsor a container - please give us a call to discuss the details.

Thank you all for your on-going support. You are making a difference!

Links:

• http://www.vidausa.org

Hello Donors!

Two important events to share with you!

This Wednesday March 14th is BONUS GIVING Day on GlobalGiving! If you give on Wednesday (only) it will be matched with a donation of 33%! A $75 donation becomes $100 instantly! This Wednesday we encourage to redeem your gift cards and leverage your giving!

And on April 19th is our annual fundraising VIDA GALA in Lima, Peru. As a supporter of VIDA we invite you to attend should your travels bring you to Peru! Prior to the GALA we will tour several hospitals in Lima.

Thank you for your support!

Patti Mangan

In 2011, VIDA distributed over $15 million in aid to Peru in to support our 200 plus healthcare partners.  VIDA is shipping out two containers in February 2012 and our partners Americares and Direct Relief each sent one container in January 2012 to support our partners including those serving HIV patients. With these shipments, VIDA Peru will also be resupplying our new program, Project Pamplona, which provides critical medical and nutrition services and education to shantytowns in the barren mountains surrounding Lima.  VIDA has installed five pre-fab medical dispensaries that serve a population of up to 10,000 people.

All donations will go to covering the cost of shipments.

In 2011, VIDA has distributed over $11 million in aid to Peru in to support our 200 plus healthcare partners in Peru.  VIDA recently airlifted over $2 million in antibiotics to help combat the respiratory illnesses during the winter season. VIDA Peru has launched a new pilot program, Project Pamplona, which provides critical medical and nutrition services and education to shantytowns in the barren mountains surrounding Lima.  VIDA has installed five pre-fab medical dispensaries that serve a population of up to 10,000 people. All of these communities lack running water, electricity, or indoor plumbing.  The average daily wage is less than $4 a day and the residents suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses due to exposure to the elements and the unsanitary living conditions.  VIDA Pamplona is the first line of defense against the chronic health issues plaguing the community.  Staff is working with the local community in an education program to implement safe drinking water solutions which are the primary source of illness.  VIDA will be sending a shipment at the end of October to help equip and resupply the medical dispensaries.

All donations will go to covering the cost of shipments.

Links:

• VIDA Website

In 2011, VIDA has distributed over $10 million in aid to Peru in to support our 200 plus healthcare partners throughout Peru. VIDA Peru has launched a new pilot program in five shantytown’s located in the barren mountains bordering Lima with the goal of serving 24 communities. All of these communities lack running water, electricity, or indoor plumbing. Housing is constructed from salvaged wood, metal, plastic and cardboard materials with dirt floors.  The average daily wage is less than $4. The residents suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses due to exposure to the elements and the unsanitary living conditions including unclean water.  VIDA has installed five pre-fab medical dispensaries that each provides basic medical care and nutritional supplements to a population of 10,000 people.   

VIDA will be sending by airlift over $2 million in Antibiotics in October in response to the chronic health problems related to unsanitary living conditions.

All donations will go to covering the cost of shipments.