Launch of the Peru Collection!

Team AGF has just returned from the second visit to the field and has finished the development of our new collection! Here's a preview of some of our newest pieces from the Peru Collection! The three new designs, two of which come in a multitude of colors, consist of the Shaman Prayer Beeds Bracelet, the Incan Trail Bracelet, and the Seed Bracelet. The proceeds from these new pieces go towards fixing the only pipe, which supplies running water, in the village's primary school as well as improving the standard of living in the community. The success of the Peru Collection will provide our artisans with wages we'd want our mothers and sisters to be paid and greatly ameliorate the struggling economic climate in Ampay. For more details, including color and prices, check out our shop on the AGF website!

Seed Bracelet:

These colorful, lightweight bracelets made from Açai seeds are bursting with light and energy. The oranges and greens of the Citrus Seed Bracelet remind us of the miles of orange groves lining the Andes Mountains. Carrying these bright color palettes of the Citrus and Quenchuan Summer Seed Bracelets around your wrist encourages a youthful enthusiasm and vivacious spirit. In turn, the classic black and white coloring of the Sacred Valley Seed Bracelet reflects the quiet intuition and wisdom of the elders in Ampay, Peru where our artisans live. These bracelets make perfect gifts for those seeking either more positive energy or tranquility in their lives. 

Shaman Prayer Bead:

At the time this beaded bracelet was designed in the remote mountain village of Ampay, Peru, spiritual leaders from all over the world were making a pilgrimage to the country, attracted by the ethereal presence and benevolent nature the area exudes. The beads linked together on this handmade bracelet are the fallen seeds of an indigenous Peruvian tree. They maintain their true pigment and feather-like weight, mirroring the natural order many Peruvian shamans have protected over the years. We channeled our contemporary interpretation of this spiritual world into the Shaman Prayer Bead design, which reminds us that even the smallest gesture can bring more peace into the world.

Incan Trail Bracelet:

This handmade, woven bracelet derived its name from its gentle ridges and nature-inspired color palette. This soft, conforming bracelet echos the sentiments of the Incan Trail: beauty, mystery and adventure. Wear this piece to remind yourself of the journey awaiting your steps or share it with a friend to encourage an audacious heart. 

Team AGF just back from the field!

After over 14 hours of traveling, the AGF Team finally made it to Ampay, Peru to meet Project HOME's newest artisan, Rufina Baccera. With a wide smile, Rufina stood outside the one-room mud-brick home she shares with her husband, three children and parents. As wide-eyed children ran around the rare "gringos" in town, Rufina spoke to Elizabeth about opportunity and how she desperately is seeking a way to improve her life and the lives of her loved ones.

Rufina wants what any mother wants for her children; an education, food in their stomachs and a safe place to rest their heads at night. Unlike the opportunity to which much of the U.S. has access, Rufina's community is essentially jobless. Despite the poor living conditions and the difficult way of life, Rufina's tiny frame is bursting with the energy to succeed. Her eyes light up when she talks about her work and how Project HOME will help her use the skills she has to improve the standard of living in her village. The steady income offered through Project HOME will equate to long-standing change.

With one workspace, Rufina is able to make hundreds of bracelets per month and offer employment to neighbors who are struggling. She dreams of doing the work she loves while creating opportunities for those around her. She tells Elizabeth, it infuses a sense of self and dignity in herself and she looks forward to sharing that in her community.

Over the next six months, A Global Friendship and Rufina will work together to create and bring to market four new designs which will be sold at over 100 different retailers across the U.S. and the Caribbean. AGF will sponsor a workplace in Pisac to provide ten people in her village with sustainable jobs and stable, fair wages. With the kind of determination already present in Rufina, Team AGF hopes to see her small business expand in the next 12 months. This growing opportunity in Rufina's village represents a small step towards fighting poverty.

The profits from the Peru Collection will go towards fixing the only pipe, which supplies running water, in the village's primary school, as well as supporting the workspace and additional artisans Rufina will employ.

Together, we can make the world a more beautiful place. Check back for the launch of this collection.

Rufina (Project HOME's newest artisan) and her daughter, Gladys

Gladys and Rufina's husband Jesus, who helps her make jewelry to grow her business

 Ampay, Peru

Band Line Up!

What a great line up for our Music Medley! Bands rocking out with us on Friday, August 12th will be Clevi Johnson's Toxic Trio, Deadweight Burden and The Black Fires alongside the talented artists of Karen Zimmer and John Torres.

To preview our talent, check out Deadweight Burden's channel on You Tube, watch a live performance of The Black Fires, or visit ToxicTrio.com to hear some of their tunes!

Like what you're hearing? Buy a ticket to our event on Charity Happenings for only $25! Don't forget this incredibly low price offers a whole night of free entertainment, food and liquor. 

Come support A Global Friendship and our event Music Medley by buying your ticket today!