Help Me Stand in Solidarity with Local Peruvians
Donation protected
Hi! My name is Cristina, and I'm looking to help sustain positive change in the lives of Peruvians. Earlier this May, I have had the privilege of being chosen for Caritas Canada's solidarity tour to Peru after my internship this semester. I’ve been asked to start this fundraiser to ask for your support in raising $3500 by July to help make this journey possible.
- This journey means that Development and Peace - Caritas Canada is collaborating with three incredible local grassroots organizations that work towards serving Peru's most vulnerable communities: The Bartolomeo de Las Casas Institute, the Episcopal Commission for Social Action, and the Amazonian Center for Anthropology and Practical Application. They advocate for active citizenship among Peruvians so that they can defend their human rights and protect their lands. These three amazing Catholic organizations network with church movements and communities affected by poverty to preserve the Amazon from exploitation and resource extraction.
- As an international development student, I have spent years learning about global income inequality. Among learning about international relations, political science, and specializing in environmental studies, my degree has taught me how mining industries can exploit natural environments and inherently place profit above dignifying those on such exploited land. As a Catholic, this solidarity trip means a lot to me because I can extend my faith in a real, tangible and meaningful way. As Catholics, we are called to see Christ in the most vulnerable people in this world. And in Matthew's gospel, Christ tells us that he is present and the most vulnerable people. Christ said Himself that when you fed me, I was there, when you gave me something to drink, I was there, when you clothed me and I was naked, I was there. This verse has guided me in my journey towards achieving social justice as an international development student because I genuinely believe that Christ is the face of the poor. I believe it is of infinite importance that Catholics respond to this call to meet Christ in the most vulnerable communities and support them in times when needed.
- Peru is one of the world's top ten mineral producers, including gold, copper, zinc, silver, and tin. These minerals make up a vast majority of Peru's economy, and it's suffering the consequences. From illegal mining and deforestation in the Amazon to rural Peruvians displaced by resource extraction, Peru is grappling with severe environmental destruction and migration issues. Indigenous people and rural communities depend on their land to survive. They are often left voiceless when industries and governments alike don't consult them on projects that directly concern them. This is why Caritas has named their 2025 Jubilee campaign “Turn Debt Into Hope.” Recognizing that serving those who face environmental destruction experience a unique ecological debt.
- Even if Peru feels far away, the struggles people face there: unsafe drinking water, displacement, and the fight to be heard reflect injustices we see around the world. This journey isn’t just about Peru. It’s about standing with people defending their dignity, just like any of us would. Even if international development isn’t your passion, I hope you’ll consider supporting me, a Canadian student committed to turning my education into action and using this experience to advocate for justice abroad and at home.
Every dollar raised will go directly to this solidarity experience: flights and travel to Peru, accommodation and meals, and support for the local organizations we'll work with. Your donations will go towards flights and ground transport (round-trip airfare and in-country travel), accommodations, meals, support for the three partners and their program costs. Any amount helps. $10 or $15 can make a huge difference. If you can't donate, please consider sharing this campaign with those who can. You'll be helping me raise awareness and stand in solidarity with those fighting for their rights, land, and future.
This is intentionally called a Solidarity Tour because Development and Peace sets itself apart from people and organizations that engage in short-term charity that fails to meet the needs of the communities they visit. This is also not a missionary trip engaging in imposing solutions onto people in the guise of development. Many communities require self-determination and solidarity in cultivating progress rather than a brief stay and leave. This is why I've thought long and hard about the ethics of global solidarity work and how you, as a donor, deserve transparency on where your hard-earned money goes. This is not about merely volunteering abroad. Your donation isn’t just helping me travel. It’s an investment in ethical, community-driven development that respects the dignity, knowledge, and self-determination of the people we’ll work alongside. Your support would mean the world, not just to me, but to the communities we at Caritas will stand beside. I promise to carry your solidarity with me and come back with stories, lessons, and ways we can continue to support the dignity of the human person together.
With deep gratitude,
Cristina
Organizer
Cristina De Fabritiis
Organizer
Brampton, ON