This past December, we were delighted to deliver Christmas joy to the children we support in Peru through our second annual Holiday Panetones giveaway. This sweet tradition continues to bring happiness to children and their families in the Andes, where we work to support education and build stronger communities.
First Stop: Casa del Buen Trato Hovde
Sunday, November 30, 2024
Our journey began at one of our favorite places: Casa del Buen Trato Hovde. This safe house is home to 24 remarkable girls who are overcoming the challenges of past trauma. The Casa specializes in providing care for girls who have suffered sexual abuse and have been removed from their homes for their safety. Girls here range from early tweens to 18 years old, at which point many transition to university studies, equipped with support and guidance from the Casa.
On this special day, we brought Panetones for each of the girls, ensuring there were enough to make their holiday celebrations last a few days. It was heartwarming to know we could contribute a small, delicious piece of joy during the festive season.
The Casa also features a display of artisanal handmade items created by the girls themselves. These range from emoji keychains to beautifully knitted scarves and beanies. As is our tradition, we purchased as many items as possible to help boost their funds. Profits from these sales are reserved for the girls when they turn 18, providing them with a financial foundation for their next chapter. Each item proudly bears a small piece of tape with the maker’s name, ensuring their efforts are recognized.
Special Christmas Gifts
During our visit, we had the opportunity to brainstorm with the director about how we could add more joy to the girls' Christmas celebrations. Together, we devised a plan to create self-care gift bags filled with their favorite cosmetic products. With the help of a few timely supporters, this plan became a reality! We were thrilled to learn that these personalized gifts were a huge hit on Christmas Day.
A Musical Treat with Paul Batson
This trip was made even more special by the presence of our friend Paul A. Batson, a talented photographer and guitarist. Although Paul wasn’t able to capture many photos this time due to the sensitivity of the location, he brought the magic of music to Casa Hovde. Playing holiday classics, including a lively rendition of "Feliz Navidad," he had everyone clapping and singing along. The girls' smiles and laughter filled the room, making it a truly magical event.
Capturing the Moment
Before leaving, we coordinated with the director and the girls to shoot a panoramic drone video of the Casa premises. The stunning footage was shared with the Casa for their use and dissemination. You can visit their facebook page and see their video release here:
This visit to Casa del Buen Trato Hovde set the tone for a meaningful and joyful holiday season. Through your continued support, we were able to spread love and light to the children and families who mean so much to us. Thank you for making moments like this possible!
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