Doctor Without Borders (DWB) is one of the most incredible humanitarian aid organizations active today. Unconcerned with religion, race,  or politics, DWB provides medical care in more than 60 countries. Mayu respects and appreciates all of their work in bringing much-needed medical attention to developing countries such as Peru. Since 1971, their crucial work has proved that so much incredible work can be accomplished when differences are put aside. Mayu recently recommended their book, and now DWB is featured in a groundbreaking documentary film entitled Living in Emergency: Stories From Doctors Without Borders.

Living in Emergency follows four DWB doctors working in under-staffed, under-equipped, and often highly hazardous conditions in Liberia and the Congo. First-time director Mark Hopkins was given unprecedented access by Doctors Without Borders, but the resulting film is far from a sanitized promo piece-his engaged, unflinching camera captures disputes, turf wars, burn-out, hair-raising operations, messy decisions, and sexual needs for an inspiring but humanizing portrait that one MSF official said “gets to the very core of who we are and why we exist.” This documentary presents a no-holds-barred view of one of the most influential humanitarian aid organizations active today.

This film, which has already been shortlisted for the Best Documentary Oscar, is playing in Chicago at the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 20, 21 & 23. Watch the trailer below (WARNING: NSFW):

Don’t forget to check back with Mayu on Twitter, Facebook and our blog for exciting news about sustainability, eco-fashion, fair trade, international development and hand-knit alpaca!

Just last week we got some awesome news from our friends Dave and Kevin of WAVES for Development. Kate, Dave and Kevin were in the same Peace Corps group in Peru, where they worked directly with communities, Fair Trade associations, and non-profit developers. In 2005, Kevin founded WAVES for Development with the purpose of creating life-enriching experiences in coastal communities through educational surf programs and encouraging surf volunteerism to engage travelers and transform their world view.

WAVES is releasing a documentary project entitled CAPTURE, which profiles the journey of Jeremy Koons, a ski photographer from Salt Lake City Utah as he travels to Lobitos to teach the Peruvian children how to use digital cameras and modern software to shoot and print their own photographs. The goal of the film is to spread awareness of the WAVES organization by documenting one volunteer’s experience as he interacts with the Peruvian children and culture. It is has been a life-changing experience for the 50+ people that have already volunteered for the WAVES program and is exactly what we strive to capture in this short documentary.

Surfers! Are you interested in volunteering?! WAVES is a awesome opportunity to volunteer (and surf!) in the small town of Lobitos, Peru and teach the local children sustainable skills for a better future. Lobitos is a somewhat secret gem for surfing and is growing more and more popular by the day. WAVES aims to teach the locals how to create income from the growing surf tourism industry there. Kate remembers visiting Lobitos and raves about the beauty of the surrounding area. Think about it!

We are so proud of our Peace Corps friends; it is very rewarding seeing others helping with development issues and empowering the people of Peru. The proof is in the pudding: people fall in love with Peru and it’s people!

Check out Mayu and other Peace Corps businesses to see how others are giving back. If you want to know more about Peru, Peace Corp inspired businesses or how you can get involved, follow us via Twitter@shopmayu, our blog or Facebook.

WAVES has setup a fundraising site here: http://kck.st/9LIb5j. Should you choose to donate, you will become a part of the film, receive updates on the production, a DVD of the film and authentic Peruvian gifts and WAVES gear.

We want to share an exciting volunteer activity in Trujillo, Peru, happening this summer. As a reminder, Kate lived in Peru, while working for the Peace Corps, so the location is near and dear to our hearts. Kerry Steinberg and Giovanna Ayesta started an amazing organization, VEN Peru, and are looking for volunteers for the Summer of 2010. The program runs from June 3^rd to July 2^nd, 2010. Many of the Mayu artisans live in Trujillo, and a lot of the hand-knitting takes place in the city.  We would love to help them find volunteers as the more help we can bring our Peruvian friends, the better! The ideal volunteer is someone who is interested in learning about Peruvian culture, while also volunteering their time.

Past engagements included working in an orphanage, medical clinic, animal shelter and on an organic farm. We encourage you to visit the website to see testimonials, pictures and also receive further information (cost, transportation, accommodations, etc) about the project. If you are unable to volunteer your time in Peru, the organization would still love your help. You can reach Kerry, and the rest of the VEN Peru organization, at information@venperu.org or by phone at 404-906-0569 For our readers in the Atlanta area, you may also attend one of two informational sessions on February 18^th at 6:30pm or March 4^th at 6:30pm. Please see the website for further information. And an added bonus to traveling to Peru? You can see AND feel your very own alpaca. Just as soft as we promised!

Further, if you are interested in Peru, the artisans that work there, and the lovely alpaca, don’t forget to read more about Mayu and shop for alpaca to help support artisans. As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and ideas. Please follow us on Twitter@shopmayu, visit our awesome blog (coverage of great issues and topics) and become our fan on Facebook.

Enjoy the weekend!

Your friends at Mayu