The project involves the acquisition and distribution of water filters in a rural area of Mexico, called Cabo Corrientos, about 60 miles south of Puerto Vallarta. This project will significantly improve the health of the people of this area. Local health data indicate that there are significant health issues associated with the absence of organized water systems.
This would be a continuation of our previous efforts in this area. About four years ago Anchorage East Rotary (AER) developed a global grant with a the Puerto Vallarta Sur rotary club; the total amount of this project was $13,000. 260 water filters were distributed under this grant. The distribution area was in the environs of Puerto Vallarta.
These water filters cost about $50 and are effective for at least 50 years; they serve individual families, groups of families, or small schools. They would be placed in areas that do not have clean water and are unlikely to have it in the future. The filters are inserted into a bucket and the local water is put into the bucket and is then filtered. They require no electricity and are easy to maintain. The water filters are made by a firm in Canada and have been used throughout the world, principally Africa and Latin America.
The other aspect of this project that makes it especially feasible is an-place distribution entity and the ease of acquisition of the filters from the Canadian firm (Sawyer water filters). The filters are acquired on a humanitarian basis, are significantly discounted from their commercial cost, and customs are either waived or are greatly reduced in amount. A local group, Fundacion Ahora es Tiempo de Dar, with the cooperation of the in-country Sawyer representative, identify the recipients and make the distribution. Distribution efforts will also be made by the El Tuito Rotary Club, with the assistance of the local Municipality. Rotarians from a number of local rotary clubs usually participate in these distributions as well.
It is probable that other North American rotary clubs would participate in this project. A rotary club in Vancouver, WA, is currently participating in a similar program and has indicated their interest in participating in this project. They have contributed $1,000 to a similar program.
This project should be completed by March 2017.
Addendum to Project Description (added after the project was signed)
This project is well underway. Matching funds from AER have been secured and water filters have been requested from the supplier, and some have already arrived. The first distribution of water filters (about 35) will be made this November in a small village in the Cabo Corrientos area. The second, and final distribution, will be made in January, probably in two separate distributions. The second distribution will be augmented by water filters funded by the Vancouver Washington Sunrise Rotary Club, who will also participate in the on site distribution. They have funded $2,000 filters, to augment those from AER. The distribution will be at other community sites in this rural area.
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