Swiss Style Caramba Collection 2017/2018

Supporting creativity
for a life in dignity

With CARAMBA we try to give a chance to a matter very close to our hearts. We want to help the poorest of the poor in Peru. We want to attract people to our project and promise you that CARAMBA will not only improve your joy of life, but also the one of the people around you!

The profit we gain with CARAMBA through selling hand-knitted products economised in Switzerland, is fully donated to the aid organisation USPE (UNA SONRISA POR EL PERU, = a smile for Peru). With these profits USPE supports various projects in Trujillo, Peru, including the building and extension of schools, self-governed local kitchens, micro credits and many more.


CARAMBA Threadz GmbH
Postfach 106
6403 Küssnacht

info@caramba-benefiz.ch

+41 (0) 79 616 10 26

Schwyzer Kantonalbank, 6403 Küssnacht
IBAN: CH17 0077 7008 1219 5026 3

Developed by www.jamescom.ch
made with peruvian passion.
The Caramba Idea

An idea with two intentions.

The label CARAMBA develops, produces and sells handmade knitwear made of high-quality raw material. This raw material consist of a mixture of wool and polyacrylic, which is very soft to touch, but it is more elastic and does not need as much care as pure wool does. Therefore, all our products are suitable for any sports activities as well. An additional feature of our collection is products made of baby Alpaca wool. This specific Alpaca wool is collected from young animals and is therefore very soft. Our work in the High Andes of Peru to collect the wool is the highest quality work we can offer. This Alpaca wool is antibacterial and suitable for allergy sufferers, as it only contains a small amount of lanolin. Many animal fibres contain much more lanolin and are vulnerable for bacteria and dust. In addition to this, Alpaca wool has to be washed only rarely. After wearing you only need a bit of airing. Moreover, the wool has a natural shine which is one of the factors that awards the Alpaca wool a precious character.

Our products can be bought through our web shop or in various trend shops in bigger sized cities. CARAMBA is committed to economic and social sustainability in the producer country. Thus, it wants to attract a clientele which is interested in transparency and honesty.

CARAMBA administers commissions from Switzerland to the aid organisation in Trujillo, Peru. The responsible there then assigns the duties to the female employees and discusses all the details with them. If a commission is terminated, they immediately receive their income. The higher the success of CARAMBA is in Switzerland, the more constant is the order situation in the aid organisations and, therefore, the income of every single female employee. With the support of CARAMBA the continuity of support is guaranteed and can be increased continuously.

The creative knitters

CARAMBA creates jobs for the poorest of the poor in Peru, by producing all the products to 100% there, in order to provide work with an appropriate income for these people. With this income, they can handle their daily lifes, feed their children and enable them to receive an adequate school education.

The people behind it

The non-profit organisation CARAMBA Beneficial GmbH is based in Kuessnacht am Rigi (Switzerland) and is led by Michèle Buschor-Frei. The label CARAMBA was brought into being in the year 2008. The passionate surfer, snowboarder and world traveller Michèle devotes a great amount of her free time to CARAMBA. With the profits, she supports various projects in Peru, which are being coordinated and controlled by USDA. Her parents, Liliana and Benno Frei-Lozano, co-founded the political independent association USDA in Peru on the 16 of January 2006. USDA consists of a group of volunteers from Trujillo. All people involved devote a significant part of their free time to social programmes of the institutions. They put themselves into service for people who have only a few means for a dignified life.

So far, Michèle has managed to build up a wide network of volunteers who are happy to help and eager to commit themselves to this great label- non-profit, whenever possible.

Michèle Buschor-Frei, CEO Caramba

Caramba in the press

How Social Business Can Help

Impact Starter, 20.02.2015

Wer unter der beliebten Caramba-Mütze steckt

Freier Schweizer, 19. Dezember 2014

Sportmode-Award für soziales Engagement

blick.ch, 09.12.2014

Junge innovative touristische Geschäftsideen ausgezeichnet

htr.ch, 20.09.2013

Coole Kleider für guten Zweck

20min, 22. September 2011

Am Boden – für den guten Zweck!

Schweizer Illustrierte, 11. November 2010

Na sowas, Caramba begeisterte Gäste

Freier Schweizer, 22. Dezember 2008

Thank you very much!

Video: Ari Zehnder
Interview: Janos Menberg
Photo CARAMBA: Alessandro D’Angelo
Photos Collection 2015/2016: Milan Pavic
Photos Collection 2017/2018: Philipp R. Klemm
Website: James Communication AG

Close

Paulina Yupanqui Vilchez

Since the non-profit-organisation USDA has started its activities in 2006 in our town, I’ve been part of it too. I learned the required craft from the very beginning. My children were able to go to the USDA school. My husband is often away because of this job and thanks to the profits of CARAMBA; I can finance the cost of the daily life myself. The continuity of CARAMBA enables me to make plans for the future.

Close

Juana Cruzado Marcelo

My husband works far away and my three children are hard work: I bring them to school, pick them up afterwards and help them with their homework. What I earn with CARAMBA, serves my children as a support: I spend the money for food, school investments and many more. Yes, CARAMBA is a great help for us. Hopefully, our products are going to be more and more popular in the areas where they are sold- far away.

Close

Fanny Girón Chiroque

USDA first caught my eye in 2010. When Liliana went to Switzerland, she and Michèle nominated me to be the manageress of CARAMBA in Peru. That’s why I am now the responsible in Trujillo and the contact person for material supply from Lima. I receive the orders from Switzerland by email from Michèle and then distribute the wool and the commissions to the knitters. Every Monday from 3-5 pm, we have a group meeting and it is always a great joy to receive the finished products. Before the articles will be sent to Switzerland, we wash them and label every single one with a CARAMBA label by hand.

Close

Juana Baca Juárez

We live 3km away from the USDA school and that is why my children are not able to go to this school. My husband has a permanent job, but earns only a small amount of money. When I went to the training in the USDA-workshop, the manageress realised quickly that I had great potential and she invited me to the CARAMBA group. I still run a small shop- but this shop is not really profitable. If I am sitting there waiting for the few customers, then I can knit for CARAMBA besides. I like saying: „CARAMBA, thank goodness we have CARAMBA.“

Close

Senia León Aguilar

CARAMBA means the world to me. Sometimes, my husband goes traveling and we run out of money at home. Thanks to CARAMBA; I can earn something for our living too. By doing this, I can finance the life of my children, their education and so on. Liliana, our co-founder, said to us: „Caramba- don’t waste your time with chatting, but do something with your life!“ This pushes me and helps me to become a better person.

Close

Rosmery Cruzado Marcelo

Fortunately, I have discovered USDA and CARAMBA some time ago. I wasn’t really able to knit and had no idea about housework and education. Thanks to my income from CARAMBA, I could buy a stall at the market. When my four kids go to school, I use my time to do business. When my kids are at home, I love spending time with them and doing some knitting for CARAMBA besides it. My children have the highest priority for me and CARAMBA enables my children better chances in life- with regard to educational and material opportunities.

Close

Margarita Salzar Cancino

The father of my five children has left us and does not support us financially. I now live with another partner who contributes something to our household. Unfortunately, he does not have a permanent job, so he is only able to earn money from time to time. Luckily, we have CARAMBA. I want to fund my children’s education. Thus, I depend on this job. My eldest son will be going to University soon and needs financial support. My biggest wish: All of my kids shall be professionals – with a complete education. I, myself, don’t have a proper education, but I’m very proud to be able to build something up for my kids with the work for CARAMBA. I can work at home and I am able to take good care of my children at the same time.

Close

Adela Cruz Briceño

We have moved from the countryside to Alto Trujillo in 2007. In 2009, I discovered the USDA workshops. I already knew how to knit, but with CARAMBA, I got to know all the required patterns. I soon became part of the CARAMBA group and the CARAMBA income was a very welcome support for my husband, our three sons and me. Because of an accident, I could not use my hand for a longer period. Even before I had completely recovered, Liliana gave me work again and I was able to pay for the doctor and my medicine. Now I’m even able to save up some money for the education of my children.

Close

Gladys Terrones

My husband and I have two children. Sometimes, he doesn’t earn enough for our living. That’s the reason why I used to work as laundress in the city. As a consequence, I neglected my children, though. Since I’ve been able to knit for CARAMBA, I am much more flexible. I can give my children the care and attention they really need. CARAMBA enforces our family ties and brings us financial security too.

Close

Magna Guevara Vargas

I have three kids, two daughters (6 and 20) and a son (17). My two oldest children do not live with me, but I try to support them financially as good as possible. My youngest daughter is from my last relationship, which ended when my ex-partner went back to his mother. Thanks to my employment with CARAMBA, I can provide the livelihood for my daughter and me. This is what I’m really grateful for.

Close

Juana Peña Tumbajulca

My wish: I want CARAMBA to last forever and to generate a lot of commissions. What I need? I want to furnish my house and I want to make it more comfortable. CARAMBA has changed my life, because now I earn enough money that allows my children and me to have a regulated life. The fact that I can work at home enables me to give my children an optimal care. „CARAMBA- it’s just great.“

Close

Azucena Valverde Valderrama

My husband and I received a micro-credit from USDA in 2007 which helped us to improve our incomes. In the USDA workshops, I learned how to knit and at the same time, I could send my two little girls Marita and Nicole to the USDA school. Thanks to CARAMBA, I can earn money to make a living and to improve our life quality. We use the word “CARAMBA” if we want to correct someone or if we want to express admiration. “Caramba, sit quietly”, I say to a lively child. But I also say „Caramba, what a fabulous school report you’ve brought home!“

Close

Mariela Rodriguez Sánchez

By the start of USDA in 2006, we learned knitting, crocheting and weaving. But then Miss Michèle came up with the idea of CARAMBA and she told us that we could suddenly earn money with our products! This was a huge help! In the past, we did not have enough money for our daily life, food and for the education of our children. Now, my two sons go to the USDA school. We are very proud to be members right from the very start of the USDA. My oldest son is already a 6th grader and will be one of the first school-leavers from the USDA primary school.

Swiss Style made with peruvian Passion.
Caramba Collection 2019


Caramba Collection 2017/2018
The Caramba Idea

Supporting creativity
for a life in dignity

With CARAMBA we try to give a chance to a matter very close to our hearts. We want to help the poorest of the poor in Peru. We want to attract people to our project and promise you that CARAMBA will not only improve your joy of life, but also the one of the people around you!

The profit we gain with CARAMBA through selling hand-knitted products economised in Switzerland, is fully donated to the aid organisation USPE (UNA SONRISA POR EL PERU, = a smile for Peru). With these profits USPE supports various projects in Trujillo, Peru, including the building and extension of schools, self-governed local kitchens, micro credits and many more.

An idea with two intentions.

The label CARAMBA develops, produces and sells handmade knitwear made of high-quality raw material. This raw material consist of a mixture of wool and polyacrylic, which is very soft to touch, but it is more elastic and does not need as much care as pure wool does. Therefore, all our products are suitable for any sports activities as well. An additional feature of our collection is products made of baby Alpaca wool. This specific Alpaca wool is collected from young animals and is therefore very soft. Our work in the High Andes of Peru to collect the wool is the highest quality work we can offer. This Alpaca wool is antibacterial and suitable for allergy sufferers, as it only contains a small amount of lanolin. Many animal fibres contain much more lanolin and are vulnerable for bacteria and dust. In addition to this, Alpaca wool has to be washed only rarely. After wearing you only need a bit of airing. Moreover, the wool has a natural shine which is one of the factors that awards the Alpaca wool a precious character.

Our products can be bought through our web shop or in various trend shops in bigger sized cities. CARAMBA is committed to economic and social sustainability in the producer country. Thus, it wants to attract a clientele which is interested in transparency and honesty.

CARAMBA administers commissions from Switzerland to the aid organisation in Trujillo, Peru. The responsible there then assigns the duties to the female employees and discusses all the details with them. If a commission is terminated, they immediately receive their income. The higher the success of CARAMBA is in Switzerland, the more constant is the order situation in the aid organisations and, therefore, the income of every single female employee. With the support of CARAMBA the continuity of support is guaranteed and can be increased continuously.

The creative knitters

CARAMBA creates jobs for the poorest of the poor in Peru, by producing all the products to 100% there, in order to provide work with an appropriate income for these people. With this income, they can handle their daily lifes, feed their children and enable them to receive an adequate school education.

  • Paulina Yupanqui Vilchez

    Since the non-profit-organisation USDA has started its activities in 2006 in our town, I’ve been part of it too. I learned the required craft from the very beginning. My children were able to go to the USDA school. My husband is often away because of this job and thanks to the profits of CARAMBA; I can finance the cost of the daily life myself. The continuity of CARAMBA enables me to make plans for the future.

  • Juana Cruzado Marcelo

    My husband works far away and my three children are hard work: I bring them to school, pick them up afterwards and help them with their homework. What I earn with CARAMBA, serves my children as a support: I spend the money for food, school investments and many more. Yes, CARAMBA is a great help for us. Hopefully, our products are going to be more and more popular in the areas where they are sold- far away.

  • Fanny Girón Chiroque

    USDA first caught my eye in 2010. When Liliana went to Switzerland, she and Michèle nominated me to be the manageress of CARAMBA in Peru. That’s why I am now the responsible in Trujillo and the contact person for material supply from Lima. I receive the orders from Switzerland by email from Michèle and then distribute the wool and the commissions to the knitters. Every Monday from 3-5 pm, we have a group meeting and it is always a great joy to receive the finished products. Before the articles will be sent to Switzerland, we wash them and label every single one with a CARAMBA label by hand.

  • Juana Baca Juárez

    We live 3km away from the USDA school and that is why my children are not able to go to this school. My husband has a permanent job, but earns only a small amount of money. When I went to the training in the USDA-workshop, the manageress realised quickly that I had great potential and she invited me to the CARAMBA group. I still run a small shop- but this shop is not really profitable. If I am sitting there waiting for the few customers, then I can knit for CARAMBA besides. I like saying: „CARAMBA, thank goodness we have CARAMBA.“

  • Senia León Aguilar

    CARAMBA means the world to me. Sometimes, my husband goes traveling and we run out of money at home. Thanks to CARAMBA; I can earn something for our living too. By doing this, I can finance the life of my children, their education and so on. Liliana, our co-founder, said to us: „Caramba- don’t waste your time with chatting, but do something with your life!“ This pushes me and helps me to become a better person.

  • Rosmery Cruzado Marcelo

    Fortunately, I have discovered USDA and CARAMBA some time ago. I wasn’t really able to knit and had no idea about housework and education. Thanks to my income from CARAMBA, I could buy a stall at the market. When my four kids go to school, I use my time to do business. When my kids are at home, I love spending time with them and doing some knitting for CARAMBA besides it. My children have the highest priority for me and CARAMBA enables my children better chances in life- with regard to educational and material opportunities.

  • Margarita Salzar Cancino

    The father of my five children has left us and does not support us financially. I now live with another partner who contributes something to our household. Unfortunately, he does not have a permanent job, so he is only able to earn money from time to time. Luckily, we have CARAMBA. I want to fund my children’s education. Thus, I depend on this job. My eldest son will be going to University soon and needs financial support. My biggest wish: All of my kids shall be professionals – with a complete education. I, myself, don’t have a proper education, but I’m very proud to be able to build something up for my kids with the work for CARAMBA. I can work at home and I am able to take good care of my children at the same time.

  • Adela Cruz Briceño

    We have moved from the countryside to Alto Trujillo in 2007. In 2009, I discovered the USDA workshops. I already knew how to knit, but with CARAMBA, I got to know all the required patterns. I soon became part of the CARAMBA group and the CARAMBA income was a very welcome support for my husband, our three sons and me. Because of an accident, I could not use my hand for a longer period. Even before I had completely recovered, Liliana gave me work again and I was able to pay for the doctor and my medicine. Now I’m even able to save up some money for the education of my children.

  • Gladys Terrones

    My husband and I have two children. Sometimes, he doesn’t earn enough for our living. That’s the reason why I used to work as laundress in the city. As a consequence, I neglected my children, though. Since I’ve been able to knit for CARAMBA, I am much more flexible. I can give my children the care and attention they really need. CARAMBA enforces our family ties and brings us financial security too.

  • Magna Guevara Vargas

    I have three kids, two daughters (6 and 20) and a son (17). My two oldest children do not live with me, but I try to support them financially as good as possible. My youngest daughter is from my last relationship, which ended when my ex-partner went back to his mother. Thanks to my employment with CARAMBA, I can provide the livelihood for my daughter and me. This is what I’m really grateful for.

  • Juana Peña Tumbajulca

    My wish: I want CARAMBA to last forever and to generate a lot of commissions. What I need? I want to furnish my house and I want to make it more comfortable. CARAMBA has changed my life, because now I earn enough money that allows my children and me to have a regulated life. The fact that I can work at home enables me to give my children an optimal care. „CARAMBA- it’s just great.“

  • Azucena Valverde Valderrama

    My husband and I received a micro-credit from USDA in 2007 which helped us to improve our incomes. In the USDA workshops, I learned how to knit and at the same time, I could send my two little girls Marita and Nicole to the USDA school. Thanks to CARAMBA, I can earn money to make a living and to improve our life quality. We use the word “CARAMBA” if we want to correct someone or if we want to express admiration. “Caramba, sit quietly”, I say to a lively child. But I also say „Caramba, what a fabulous school report you’ve brought home!“

  • Mariela Rodriguez Sánchez

    By the start of USDA in 2006, we learned knitting, crocheting and weaving. But then Miss Michèle came up with the idea of CARAMBA and she told us that we could suddenly earn money with our products! This was a huge help! In the past, we did not have enough money for our daily life, food and for the education of our children. Now, my two sons go to the USDA school. We are very proud to be members right from the very start of the USDA. My oldest son is already a 6th grader and will be one of the first school-leavers from the USDA primary school.

The people behind it

The non-profit organisation CARAMBA Beneficial GmbH is based in Kuessnacht am Rigi (Switzerland) and is led by Michèle Buschor-Frei. The label CARAMBA was brought into being in the year 2008. The passionate surfer, snowboarder and world traveller Michèle devotes a great amount of her free time to CARAMBA. With the profits, she supports various projects in Peru, which are being coordinated and controlled by USDA. Her parents, Liliana and Benno Frei-Lozano, co-founded the political independent association USDA in Peru on the 16 of January 2006. USDA consists of a group of volunteers from Trujillo. All people involved devote a significant part of their free time to social programmes of the institutions. They put themselves into service for people who have only a few means for a dignified life.

So far, Michèle has managed to build up a wide network of volunteers who are happy to help and eager to commit themselves to this great label- non-profit, whenever possible.

Caramba in the press

Wer unter der beliebten Caramba-Mütze steckt

Freier Schweizer, 19. Dezember 2014


Junge innovative touristische Geschäftsideen ausgezeichnet

htr.ch, 20.09.2013


Coole Kleider für guten Zweck

20min, 22. September 2011


Am Boden – für den guten Zweck!

Schweizer Illustrierte, 11. November 2010


Na sowas, Caramba begeisterte Gäste

Freier Schweizer, 22. Dezember 2008


Thank you very much!

Video: Ari Zehnder
Interview: Janos Menberg
Photo CARAMBA: Alessandro D’Angelo
Photos Collection 2015/2016: Milan Pavic
Photos Collection 2017/2018: Philipp R. Klemm
Website: James Communication AG

CARAMBA Threadz GmbH
Postfach 106
6403 Küssnacht

info@caramba-benefiz.ch

+41 (0) 79 616 10 26

Schwyzer Kantonalbank, 6403 Küssnacht
IBAN: CH17 0077 7008 1219 5026 3