04 September 2008

 

Epson, the leader in imaging technology, is increasing its support for a project to help underprivileged teenagers in Peru. In addition to a donation generated by corporate fundraising activities, Epson is now providing a series of cutting edge printing and imaging products to the FairMail project.

FairMail produces greeting cards from pictures taken by the teenagers – who are given photography training, part-time work, medical insurance and career guidance, as well receiving 50% of the profits from sales of the cards.  Teenagers use this money to finance housing and education.

Epson will provide FairMail with a variety of high-tech products from its range, including an Epson Stylus Pro 3800, two PictureMates, an EMP-DM1, and a Stylus DX7000F, together with high-quality ink and media. These products will be used to print all the photos and the explanatory texts that will be used during the FairMail tour - a promotion campaign and photo exhibitions starting in the Netherlands in September 2008.

Starting in September 2008, the FairMail exhibition will tour at least 16 shops, fairs, schools and festivals in the Netherlands. It aims to increase the sales of the cards and to raise more money for the participating teenagers. The exhibition will comprise 44 photos, covering portraits of Peruvian teenagers, pictures of their living circumstances and ‘you-can-make-a-difference’ images, printed on the donated Epson Stylus Pro 3800 with media and ink, such as the Epson Mat Photo Board. It will also include a 10 minute documentary displayed using a donated Epson projector.

Andrea Koepfer, Manager PR & Sponsoring EMEA of Epson comments: “Epson has a deep commitment to contributing to society and culture, around the world. By providing top quality products, we hope to play a part in generating a greater awareness of the work achieved by FairMail to improve the living conditions of underprivileged children in Peru and to offer them better opportunities for the future.”

One of the strengths of FairMail is that the young Peruvian trainee photographers are trained by temporary international volunteers. As every volunteer has a different background and his/her own way of working, the teenagers keep on getting new inputs, insights and skills. Anyone can make a difference in the lives of these kids, by donating or by signing up as a volunteer. More information on donating and volunteering can be found at www.fairmail.info.