Hola, my name is Megan Sommerfeldt. I am junior at Mahtomedi high school with a interesting summer ahead.

As some of you know, my Aunt Sherry and I will be starting our three-week trip to Lima, Peru on June 12th as a part of her "Niece Project". I am the third of six nieces to travel with Sherry. Because I like to be different, I decided to add something more to my trip. It didn't take long for me to realize that I wanted to spend extra time in Peru helping the less fortunate.

Project Peru seems like a perfect volunteering fit for me. This summer, Sherry and I will spend one of our three weeks in Lima staying in a refuge with about 50 children. These children can no longer live with their families for multiple reasons. While staying at the refuge in Zapallal, I will spend my mornings and afternoons walking the children to and from school. While the children are at school, I will be building a house for a family in the nearby shanty town where Project Peru is involved in ongoing community projects. After school, I will be spending my time with the kids and helping at the refuge in any way I can.

The primary reason I selected this charity is that all donations go directly to the children and the materials needed for me to build a home for a local family. All administrative tasks and other efforts are done on a volunteer basis, thereby maximizing the benefits for the children. Also, Project Peru employs local Peruvians to run the refuge. Not only are your donations helping the children of Zapallal, your money is helping to build a stronger community, too. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

My fundraising goal is $1500 (about 900 pounds). Because this charity is run out of the UK, the site will automatically choose pounds for your donation. Simply click on the drop down arrow and choose USD. If you wish to donate, you may donate in either currency.

Please be as generous as you can, the children of Project Peru and I appreciate it greatly!