FUNDRAISER FOR COLOMBIA - 2019
COLOMBIA 2019 - FUNDRAISING REPORT
OUR HOSTS
Kristy Natalia (Sandra's sister) and Claudio graciously hosted us in 'La Esquina Lejana,' their eco-hostel in Marquetalia Palomino.
Claudio had put us in contact with Cesar, one of the Kogi mamos who runs the health center in the village 5 hours away from Palomino. They also introduce us to Simon, one of the Kogis' spokespersons in Palomino. They even drove us back and forth to Santa Marta (2 hours away) to pick up the baby formula, not once but twice, and to top it all, drove us back to Santa Marta to take our flight home. We're very grateful for their generosity, fun conversations, and advice.
THE FUNDRAISING RESULTS
We raised $1,820 CAD for this cause. We ended up not making the 5 hour trek to deliver the product due to logistical issues, namely delays in the product and the mules the Kogi rented us not making it down on time. Instead, we delivered a total of 120 cans of baby formula to Simon, the Kogi's spokesperson in Palomino. We also left 24 cans with the owners of 'The Indigenous House,' a shelter where Kogis and Arhuacos (another indigenous group in the area) people stay when they walk down to the area.
THANK YOU!
Thank you so much to everyone who donated, who helped us, who provided ideas and support, we couldn't have done it without it. The Kogi and Arhuaco kids will live healthier lives because of all of you. Although we didn't get pictures of the many families that will benefit from the baby formula we were told they will do their best to take some once the product make its ways to the main village. We know technology is an issue so we're cautiously optimistic. We took some pics here that may give you an idea of the people who benefitted and will benefit from your donation. Again, thank you, thank you, thank you!!
PICTURES FROM THE CLINIC
We've received more pictures from the mamo of the Kogi's village. We'll add more as we get them. Thanks again!
THE KOGIS
The Kogi (/ˈkoʊɡi/ KOH-gee) or Cogui or Kágaba, are one of Colombia's indigenous people.
According to anthropologists, the word means ‘Real Peoples’ or ‘Son of the Jaguars.’
The Kogis live in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, in northern Colombia, inhabiting mainly the northern slopes of the valleys of the Palomino, San Miguel, and Garavito rivers, with a few settlements on the eastern and western slopes. Their tribes are purposedly located in the most remote areas of these regions.
The Kogi are unique among Latin America’s indigenous cultures, because the Spaniards never colonized them. They are descendants from the Tayrona culture, which dates back to at least 200 AD. In fact, the Kogi are the last surviving civilization from the world of the Inca and Aztec.
The most reclusive and protective of Colombia's indigenous people, they cling tight to their ancient ways, based on a worship of nature. They believe the Sierra Nevada to be the 'Mother' and the 'Heart of the World.' They call themselves the “Elder Brothers,” or guardians of life on Earth. They call all non-indigenous outsiders "Younger Brothers."
FUNDRAISER FOR COLOMBIA'S KOGIS
The cause:
On February 16th, 2019 we travelled to Colombia, and while there, we'll be donate baby formula for The Kogis indigenous peoples. 100% of your monetary donations will be used to purchase these supplies. We bought these supplies from the capital of the province, Santa Marta. We will then make the five hour trek from Palomino (where we're staying) it to deliver them to one of the doctor's who's our contact there. [see update above]
Donating:
We're asking you to donate a minimum of $20 per person. You can via etransfer to jasonandsandra@gmail.com
Learning More:
Learn more about The Kogis below. If you want to learn more about their culture and beliefs, you can also check out the following BBC documentary: