At our Annual Spring Luncheon on May 14th, Executive Director Dale Snyder and Country Director Neil Van Dine announced an incredible deal for 200 new India Mark II hand pumps that was recently presented to Haiti Outreach, IF we could raise the $25,000 needed to purchase them. These are the pumps we use every day for our new community managed water wells, shown in the photo below. If we raise the money in time (2 months), we could have a 4 year supply of pumps for the cost of 1/2 a year’s supply at the normal purchase price. Half the money has been raised so far. Your generous tax deductible donation will help us reach our goal. Just click on the donate button to the right.
At the luncheon, Neil gave us some very interesting statistics about how many water wells are no longer functional, not only in Haiti but other developing countries as well, including many in Africa. It is nearly universal that at least 40% of the wells that were drilled are no longer functioning, meaning that the money spent to bring clean water to people was essentially wasted. Because of our extensive water committee training and requirements for community management, in the past few years, 99% of Haiti Outreach community managed wells have continued to function! This model for community wells, sustained by the people themselves, is the hallmark of our work and distinguishes Haiti Outreach from nearly all organizations working in Haiti to being clean water to the country. Because of our success, the Haitian government has not only embraced our work, they have said our sustainability model is THE example to be followed by all organizations who want to create clean water wells for the public. Neil also spoke about how Haiti Outreach is working on a new 100 Well Initiative with the national government in the Department of the Northeast.
Other speakers at the luncheon were Board Chair Olaf Minge, Board Secretary /Treasurer Pam Prosser, and Executive Director Dale Snyder. Olaf talked about our recent organizational changes and additions to the board (see the last post here on our web site). Pam recounted a story about the incredible experience of being in a very poor rural part of Haiti where Haiti Outreach had just drilled a new well and having a couple women shout out “I LOVE YOU” as the group was walking down the path toward the old water hole, shown below, where they used to get their water. They were so very grateful for their new well! It was a moving story. Dale Snyder spoke about how Haiti Outreach first started and what we have accomplished in our 17 years of work: over 250 clean water wells and water systems affecting over 180,000 people and 4 public school buildings plus one major addition.
“Save the Date” was the final word at the luncheon event. Our Annual Fall Gala this year is Saturday, October 4th. Look for updates during the summer. Circle your calendars today. It will be a fun and festive time!
Help us put an end to this by supporting our community development work in Haiti.
