By: lauradev
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COVID-Relief Fundraising

I’m feeling deeply saddened about the devastating effects of the pandemic on the Shipibo communities I work with in Peru. I am currently fundraising for two Shipibo community groups for COVID-relief on GoFundMe (links below).

1. Relief for the Living Shipibo Pharmacy of Paoyhan

This community-run medicinal plants preserve has been instrumental in providing traditional medicine and distributing aid to their community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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This COVID-relief fundraiser is for Paoyhan, a remote Shipibo community in the Amazon where I have spent time learning and doing fieldwork – the people and plants there are always close to my heart. Paoyhan is just beginning to see a lot of COVID cases, which is very concerning considering they have little access to healthcare and medicines. The clinic there is treating most people with medicinal plants because that is what they have available. This fundraiser is to help support the health clinic in getting medical supplies and to support the use of medicinal plants in treating COVID. It will also provide essential supplies for community members in need. Please consider supporting if you have any extra to give during these difficult times.

A video the Farmacia Viva Sanken Yaka Committee created in order to share more information about the current crisis situation in their community and express their gratitude to the donors.

2. The Shipibo Meken Collective Needs Help

This collective of artisan women has been providing aid to single mothers, families who have suffered deaths during the pandemic, and communities without outside support. They themselves have lost several close family members to COVID-19.

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A few of us have organized this fundraiser to try to get basic essentials and medical supplies to a group of artisan women that I have been working with for several years, and who have adopted me into their family. My madrina (godmother) just passed away a few weeks ago, and now several other family members have died or become ill. These women are caring for many sick people in their community as the hospitals are closed and turning people away. I know this time is difficult for many of us, but if you have any extra to give, please consider donating.

A video the Shipibo Meken Collective made in thanks of the donors.

Ichabires irake (thank you very much)!