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Healing Waters International
Brett
Edwards is a Rotary eClub One member with a heart for
reaching those in need, in many third world countries.
His particular interest is to provide a healthy water in
various countries around the globe under the sponsorship
of
Healing
Waters International.
It was sobering to hear that 3.4 million people, mostly
children die from water-related diseases each year.
Harvard
University has done a study on the impact of a
Healing
Waters
system on a community in the Dominican Republic where
over 10 systems are operational. These systems have
delivered over 6 million gallons of water to the poor in
this community at a 1/4 to 1/5 of the commercial cost.
Each system installed through the efforts of a local
church or civic organization that has a heart for their
community. The cost of each installation is US$16,000
and after the initial investment free drinking water is
provided to any local school or orphanages
Their
Mission Statement is as follows:
Healing
Waters International
seeks to reduce water-related sickness and death in
developing countries by building water purification
systems at local churches in poor communities. Our
objective is to produce safe, great tasting drinking
water at a cost that is affordable to even the poorest
members of these communities and to operate these
projects in a manner that ensures they will be 100%
financially sustainable.
Healing
Waters International
has recently entered the Mexican market. They have
opened their first office in Tuxtla G. Chiapas and have
now installed their first water system that has been
operational for over one month. They hope to average
one system per month through this office.
Their
second project is in El Refugio and will be completed
this month and an eBay auction has been set up to
facilitate this community. There is a need to
facilitate the water transportation for this site - as
the community is located on a steep hillside. This will
be achieved through the purchase of la Mulitas. The "La
Mulita" (little mule) concept was designed by our field
workers in Chiapas, Mexico - to help transport water
jugs over long distances and rough terrain. The mulitas
are small, two-wheel hand trucks that can be easily
pulled, even when loaded with a 40 lb, 5-gallon water
jug.
Thanks Brett for this
outstanding example of "Service Above Self"; and for
making us aware of how other Rotarians can help this
cause!
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