100 days on the road and I’m not going to lie it’s been more than I ever could have imagined. I’ve seen some absolute beauty, met some incredible people and had experiences that have filled my heart and soul.

However off the tourist track, I’ve also seen some things that have made my heart break. I often spend my travel days making sure I minimise my physical impact and wondering how I can maximise my social impact.

As I come close to another year older my family asked what I would like for my birthday. There is nothing I need or want when I see people everyday living in extreme poverty. 70% of Guatemala lives below the poverty line and this number is as high as 91% for its indigenous population.

I am asking everyone for a gift this year. A gift that will go towards 2 very special projects I have been involved in while here in Xela at the Asociación Pop Wuj.

Firstly the Safe Stove Project – this project was developed in order to combat the serious issues facing households who rely on an indoor, open fire for cooking. Before the installation of a safe stove people cook on an open flame inside poorly ventilated areas and often burn plastic as it is more affordable than firewood.

Your gift will go towards building materials such as concrete blocks, bricks, cement, chimneys, clay, and stove tops. A complete stove built over 3 stages costs about $160USD. You will have helped a family reduce their risk of severe respiratory disease in which inhalation of the toxic smoke is the leading cause of death among children in Guatemala and a serious health problem for adults as well.

Secondly is the Family Support Centre – The Family Support Centre currently has 30 children ranging in ages from 3 – 12 and serves indigenous, mostly single-parent families by providing a safe environment for children while their parents work. These families live at the poverty level and often have histories of domestic violence and alcoholism. At the centre the children are provided holistic care through educational support, homework help, medical assistance and hot lunches.

Your gift will go towards basic necessities for the children such as lotion, first aid materials, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and school supplies.

So please, I ask for a gift that can help these families live with basic necessities that I think all of us take for absolute granted. Think – what could you give up just for one day that you could then gift that cost to these families and this incredible association.

I am spending 2 more weeks here in Xela and will pass on your amazing contributions on my last day The link below will take you to my Paypal page where you can donate using your Paypal or credit/debit card.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=afairweather16@gmail.com&lc=US&item_name=Donation+to+Pop+Wuj&no_note=0&cn=&currency_code=USD&bn=PP-DonationsBF:btn_donateCC_LG.gif:NonHosted

I thank you for all the wonderful gifts, what a special birthday I will have to know I have maximised my impact on this beautiful community.