2:00pm | Rotaract Long Beach has announced their new initiative, entitled “Time for Water,” a service project that aims to bring potable water and hygiene education to children in Haiti.
Haiti has seen a slow and painful recovery after a 7.0 earthquake ravaged the country in January 2010. Over the past two years, the residents of Port-au-Prince, the capital city and the epicenter of the earthquake, have weathered the combined forces of hurricane seasons, a bitter and divisive election, and a cholera outbreak that killed thousands and infected many more. The city’s lack of central water treatment continues to exacerbate the spread of waterborne diseases, which account for more than half of all deaths in the country. Contaminated water also contributes to the country’s staggering rate of infant mortality — the highest in the Western Hemisphere.
These hardships inspired Rotaract Long Beach to lend a helping hand. The group has partnered with Epic International, a business based in Orange County, to raise funds for Haitian children by selling trendy, inexpensive wrist watches. 35% of the proceeds from each sale provides enough funds to give two Haitians fresh water for an entire year. These individuals will be special needs children, their families and the Haitian staff who work with them. Epic International will also provide a disease/hygiene education session to each child and their family.
“It was important for us to realize that, as young professionals living in an affluent country, we are in a position to make a positive impact for the good people of Haiti,” says Nate Trimmer, the Vice President of Operations.
This is not the first time Rotaract Long Beach has focused on helping children. The organization has collaborated with the non-profit Community Action Team to educate underprivileged youth in Long Beach on the importance of marine biology and keeping our beaches clean. Rotaractors also volunteer at the Miller Children’s Hospital on a regular basis. “Our ‘Time for Water’ project gives us an opportunity to take our efforts to the international level,” adds Trimmer.
To purchase a watch and learn more about their projects and events, please contact Nate Trimmer at (562) 394-7090.