This article was written by Denice Schwind, founder of Pur Skin in Edmonds, Washington who over the course of 2 years raised over $10,000 to adopt the community of Potoseyal and provide them with the community development training and construction of the community managed, clean, water well. Here is what she wrote as a recap of her trip to Haiti for the well inauguration in February, 2014.
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As a healthcare professional I have participated in several international volunteer trips, none as impactful as my recent trip with Haiti Outreach.
Two years ago, I researched different charities and organizations to align with to bring sustainable clean water to developing countries. I have seen and treated children and adults with water borne illnesses and have seen first hand the impact lack of clean water has on individuals and communities.
During my charity research I saw that many organizations supported Haiti Outreach, a NGO with a mission statement: “To collaborate with the people of Haiti to build and maintain community-initiated projects that advance their development.” After talking with (Executive Director) Dale Snyder and researching this non-profit, it became clear this is an organization that understands how to make a long-term difference with community initiated projects.
Through various fundraising efforts I was able to sponsor a community well in Potoseyal, Haiti and attend the inauguration with my daughter in February. We were able to spend two days with the community of Potoseyal, see the existing contaminated water source and help with projects in the community. The trip was very organized, productive and impactful.
We have already started fundraising for our next well, and we look forward to supporting Haiti Outreach over the years as they continue to make life changing contributions to Haiti with access to water, education and other community-initiated projects.
World Water Day is Saturday March 22, 2014. We are raising funds to adopt the community of Vye Joupa, which has 400 people who have to walk 1 1/2 miles to get water. Please help us raise the $15,000 needed to provide the training and drilling to provide clean, community managed water for this community. Click here to donate NOW!