Peru Project
The Pura Vida Foundation will be opening the first Pura Vida Shelter in 2009, which will reach out to sexually exploited young girls of Cusco, Peru and surrounding areas. The new Pura Vida shelter will start as a safe place for young girls getting off the streets. The shelter will supply these young girls with food, safe housing, rehabilitation and activities such as photography, art, music and most importantly LOVE!!! If a girl only needs a bed for the night, that will be an option, but the goal will be to encourage them to stay in the shelter and work with the available staff to help them create a brighter future for themselves. There are plans to have several directors assist in running the shelter, a psychologist visiting weekly to help transition the girls from the streets, as well as a teacher to assist in providing the young girls with education. The hope is that the girls will be able to get back into the school system, live in the shelter and then once finished school, be able to find employment.
To permanently establish the shelter, Pura Vida needs to raise $150,000. The majority of this will go towards purchasing a house and the rest will be used to furnish and staff the shelter as well as provide for monthly expenses such as food and living items. It will cost approximately $10,000 to furnish the house and another $3,000 a month for food, employee wages, school materials, activities and other basic needs for the young girls. In addition Pura Vida strives to provide basic necessities throughout Cusco that will enhance living conditions for children and youth.
Although they are not with their families, the girls provide each other with the same enduring love you would receive from a mother, father, sister or brother. They are each other's hope, strength, support and courage. They are each other's family.
Our foundation relies on donations from organizations and individuals to add to the success of our fundraising efforts. We sincerely appreciate any assistance you can provide. Donate online or contact us to find out how you can make a difference and provide a future for these children and youth.
To Move Forward, You Must Know Your Past
In May of 2007, Nathan Beninger worked at a shelter for sexually exploited young girls ages 12-17 in Cusco, Peru. For two months he was able to conduct photography and basic English classes. This trip was special, because he believes that before these young girls can move forward and forget their past, they first need to know their history. Through generous donations, he was able to conduct a photography class at the "lost city" of Machu Picchu. It was a first for all 12 young girls who courageously work to move beyond abuse and sexual exploitation. The opportunity to see the "lost city" of Machu Picchu had a profound effect and will be an experience these young girls and Nathan will never forget. Connecting them to their heritage is important for them to move forward into a positive future. Gratitude to everyone who made this journey possible.Completed Nicaragua Project
Through the sales of photographs, fundraising events and generous donations from the community, the Pura Vida Foundation reached its first goal of raising $11,000 to fund our first project in Isla de Ometepe, an island in Nicaragua. From November 1st, 2006 - March 10, 2007, we were able to team up with an amazing Seattle-born organization. We are happy to announce that 130 kids who would not have otherwise been financially able, were given the opportunity to attend school in Ometepe, Nicaragua; we have helped make their dreams into a reality. Basic necessities were also brought to families in extremely poverty-stricken areas of the island. This was only made possible through everyone's kind donations and support. The success of the Foundation's recent project in Nicaragua could not have been possible without such an involved, generous community.
The Foundation also provided funds for an established organization in Altagracia, Nicaragua to bring essentials to a Boys Shelter. "Si a la Vida" (Yes to Life), provides shelter for abandoned street boys undergoing rehabilitation. It was in this same boy's home, where Nathan Beninger was able to facilitate photography classes to 18 of the young boys, who were quick to surpass his expectations of creativity and skill. Photography proved to be an effective motivational and therapeutic practice for the boys who are trying to push out of their pasts and into their hopeful futures.
An exhibition of their works was showcased at the Prestige Inn, in Nelson B.C. The night proved to be a huge success and the images captured by the boys inspired many people locally.
Get Involved
Check the news and events for progress reports on our most recent events. We are always looking for volunteers to be part of these fulfilling projects.