The "chocolatada navidena" is a Peruvian custom of giving hot chocolate, sweet breads and a gift to many thousands of underpriveliged children in towns and remote communities just before Christmas.  

In the sacred valley, the chocolatada is organized by Paskay president Carlos Gibaja and his 4 brothers Washi, Rojelio, Eddie and Paul who all live in the area.  The 5 brothers have worked together for over 10 years to make Christmas special for the forgotten children of the high Andes.

One of the cooks, Elizabeth from Washi’s Universal Heart Restaurant (a food line for street children in Ollantaytambo), makes the hot chocolate in each of the communities that are visited. Some of the communities are in locations over 34,000 metres above sea level, well over 11,000 feet. The access roads are often treacherous, the mud and mist frequent challenges. Most of the indigenous families live in one roomed thatched stoned houses without windows.  

In 2010…

Mysmallhelp is going to make the chocolatada slightly different from previous years by changing the type of presents that are bought for the children.The gifts which Mysmallhelp will give the children will be made by Peruvians from natural materials and produced in a fair trade manner.  By purchasing Peruvian toys Mysmallhelp will work directly with artisans to create fair trade jobs for community members and income for the families as well as providing hand made toys for the children.

 

 This year, Mysmallhelp aims to raise funds to give presents, hot chocolate and bread for up to 4000 children at the estimated cost of $5 per child. 

 

If you would like to help us to reach the target of 4000 Christmas gifts for Peruvian children this Christmas then please make a donation by credit or debit card through this page.