About Us
'Wako Ayudando' started
Wako Ayudando started when our founder Annabella Alperstein moved to Canada. She felt that being in Canada wanted to still continuing to help less fortunate in Peru. She started fundraising with her family and friends. When she moved to St Georges School of Montreal, we learn that the school has PODS groups led by a teacher or parent focused on providing the opportunity of community hours for the studies. Annabella wrote to the principal to get authorization to lead a POD as non students could do so. Also requested the pod to be a fundraising pods which where not allowed at the school. Ms. Neef the director, asked Annabella to submit and interesting project and she was going to evaluate it.
Annabella was authorized to co-lead the pod but because PODs require adult mentorship, Wendy stepped in to co-lead the group so Annabella could bring her vision to life at St. George’s. Also, the fundraising part was approved which makes Wako the first fundraising POD in the school.
This project blends artistic expression with international aid, raising funds for Ayudando Abrigando a non-profit in Peru that converts recycled plastic bottles into blankets and clothing for families in need.
In 2026 a friend introduced Wako to Monica founder of the first pediatric hospice in Peru will provide under privileged children a peaceful place to spend their last days.
Now in its fourth year, the Wako POD has grown into the High School’s largest, boasting nearly 40 members. This growth is a testament to the unique partnership between students and parents.
The project is a true interdisciplinary effort; students utilize the High School’s robotics lab to 3D print Wako figurines, which are traditional Peruvian pottery designs, before painting and selling them. For Annabella, who aspires to be a mechanical engineer, this hands-on process bridges her technical interests with her passion for service.
“Now, it’s the largest POD because kids who joined in earlier years keep coming back, even just to volunteer at bake sales.”
“Moving to Canada at age 10, I realized that even from here, I can still help. Going back to Peru for a service trip and seeing a little girl hug me because of a gift we provided, that is why I work so hard on these fundraisers. It’s for people who deserve to be warm.”
Annabella A. ’26
OUR VISION
“We want to inspire others to create art — and use that inspiration to help families and children in Peru who need it most.”
MISSION
“Wako Ayudando encourages our members to embrace art as a form of self-expression, and to show that anyone can be an artist. Along the way, we celebrate Peruvian culture while raising funds for organizations supporting families and children in Peru.”
OBJECTIVES
- Raise awareness about poverty in Peru
- Show that anyone can create art, regardless of experience
- Help bring warmth to families in Peru’s cold mountain regions
- Raise awareness about pediatric palliative care
- Bring comfort and joy to children in their final days, when days can’t be added to their lives
Meet The Team
Annabella is our founding student member. She has been committed to helping less fortunate children in Peru practically her entire life. After leaving Peru it was natural for her to continue her passion by founding Wako. When not raising money for Wako, she is a dedicated STEM student, fan of Formula 1 and a singer and dancer with her school’s competitive Glee program.
Anastasia is our student head of social media. She makes sure that our message is shared with all of our passionate followers. When not supporting Wako, Anastasia is a consummate student leader, involved in many student organizations. She has also had major roles in the high school musical and play
Hailey is being a participant from the beginning, always supporting all our Wako Efforts by helping with meeting, creating art projects. She also travel to Peru supporting our service trip in 2026
Joy is an active participant of our group. She is always willing to help and contributes actively with our efforts. Joy participated in our service trip to Peru and contributed with our fundraising efforts
Charlotte has been part of Wako Ayudando since the very beginning, helping coordinate logistics, run our bake sales, and lead meetings. When not organizing for Wako, she is a talented actress active in the school’s theater program, and she managed the stage crew for Glee.
Xsenia is an active member of Wako Ayudando, bringing her artistic eye to our hand-painted pieces and other creations. Outside of Wako, she’s a talented artist in her own right and takes part in the school’s theater productions and musical.
Esteban has been an active participant in Wako Ayudando, collaborating on our bake sales and always helping set up behind the scenes at every event. Outside of Wako, he takes part in the school’s theater productions and has an amazing creative mind for building characters and stories.
The only way to make this happen is to make action!
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