doTERRA Wellness Advocate Starts Program to Help Malnourished People in the Mountains of Peru

PLEASANT GROVE, Utah, Oct. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- While visiting Peru for a yoga retreat in 2014, doTERRA Wellness Advocate Mary Crimmins felt inspired to help local people who were living without nutritious food, and thus suffering from malnutrition and infections. Partnering with her friend Christian, a local guide from her retreat, Mary started a project called "Power of the Heart." This project aims to provide fresh food to people who live in the Peruvian town of Ollantaytambo, where it is difficult to grow nutritious food.

The Power of the Heart project began as Christian and Mary helped cultivate ancient terraces in Ollantaytambo, in order to supply seven mountain schools in the area with fresh, biodynamic, organic food. Because fresh food is difficult to grow in high altitudes like those of Ollantaytambo, many of the children and families in this area are malnourished.

Among many side effects, malnourishment can be dangerous because it weakens the immune system, making victims more susceptible to infections. Without proper protein consumption, immune system response will diminish, leading to frequent infections. Additionally, it is more difficult to recover from infections and sickness when an individual has a diet that is lacking in sufficient nutrients.

Today, Mary is the financial supporter for The Power of the Heart project, in addition to providing business council and advice. While funding the project completely, she also works with Christian to improve the sustainability of the project for the future.

Because Mary has developed a love for nutritious food and an interest in helping people improve their diets over the last several years, she found that the formation of The Power of the Heart Project came naturally to her. She says, "I have such a passion for the people of Peru. My heart is in Peru. Having seen the children and their needs, I knew I had to act. I love being able to provide organic fresh food to these children who are in need."

The Power of the Heart farm recently built a new kitchen, which helps to feed all of the workers and the family who owns the land. Every week, they feed dozens of struggling children nourishing meals straight from the farm. Speaking of the project, Mary says, "I love seeing the families that are impacted. I love seeing a community come together to help their own."

doTERRA Cares is an initiative through which doTERRA International recognizes and raises awareness for Wellness Advocates who contribute to worthy causes worldwide. doTERRA International is thrilled to share Mary's success and service and recognizes her as this week's doTERRA Cares highlight!

About doTERRA International, LLC

doTERRA is a world leader in the sourcing, testing, manufacturing, and distribution of CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils through a global network of Wellness Advocates. In addition to a premium line of single-plant extracts and proprietary essential oil blends, the company offers oil-infused personal care and spa products, dietary supplements, and healthy living products for the home.

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