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 the general area of Puerto Vallarta. About five 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. More recently (2017), a district grant was used to provide water filters to two small communities in the Cabo Corriento area. This was a joint effort with the Vancouver (WA) Sunrise Rotary Club. The AER grant was for a total of $5,000 and the Vancouver club, $4,000. About 180 filters were distributed, with Rotarians from both clubs participating in the distribution of the filters.
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 a Canadian firm. 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 may 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 from the Vancouver WA area would participate in this project.
This project should be completed by March 2018.
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