Our committee met a few times and liked the idea of water projects around the world. And, instead of coming up with our own project this year decided to help out fellow clubs who had projects but needed money. We supported two projects with $1000 to each project.
The 1st project is a project sponsored by the Bend-Mt Bachelor club. The project is designed to complete a water system upgrade for the Mulege community in Mexico. At present, water is available to most families for 2-3 days each week. A devastating hurricane in September 2009 and the accompanying flood caused extensive damage to the water infrastructure in the area. The money will provide a new pump, motor, drive swhaft and controlsa that will provide adequate pressure to bring the new reservoir into the city water system. The city of Mulege is providing all other materials.
This should increase water storage for use throughout the town during fire fighting events and power outages as well as providing a consistent supply of water for general use.
The 2nd project which we supported is sponsored by the Corvallis Rotary club. Its intent is to provide 25 schools in NE Thailand with water filtration equipment to bring potable water supplies to children in areas that rely on either unhealthy water sources or expensive bottled water supplies. The club has worked with the local club in the past with positive experiences and will provide permanent equipment of a proven and sustainable type. And will be monitored as well as auditing of usage of the filters along with equipment security, training and local committment to upkeep and supplies.
The club should be proud of their commitments.
– Paul Goodmonson