Giving Back

Tikanchay is dedicated to supporting the artisan community in Peru in a meaningful way. Our commitment stems from both the deeply felt affection we have for the people of Peru and from our conviction that we have a responsibility to give back to those communities that are still struggling for self- sufficiency in what is becoming a smaller and smaller world.

After careful consideration we have chosen to begin by supporting the Cultural Institute of Cusco, which provides training in different artisan traditions to very poor residents of Cusco, many of them young mothers who arrive at the school with their infants and toddlers in tow. Our first donation of supplies and materials will arrive at the Institute in September when Elaine travels to Peru again before our Christmas season.

We have visions of many possibilities for future collaborations with this school, hopes of going beyond providing support to artisans as they train, dreams of creating an expanded market for the goods created by these new artisans. For now, we are satisfied that we have found a way to offer meaningful, measurable support. We thank you for joining us as we travel this road and encourage you to check back here and in Elaine's Journal for future updates.