Super Typhoon Haiyan, known as Yolanda in the Philippines, has been a true calamity for those who had to endure its awesome storm surge and 195 mph winds.
As most of you know, Tacloban city bore the brunt of what looks to be the strongest storm on record to ever make landfall. Lt. Col. Marciano Jesus Guevara of the Filipino military aid said that the biggest problem in Tacloban is a lack of clean drinking water. “Water is life,” he said. “If you have water with no food, you’ll survive.”
Within days after the devastating typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, and while it was still ravaging Vietnam, Water Charity began this effort to get water filters to the victims. With over 800,000 evacuees still housed in makeshift housing, churches and community centers, and well before any refugee camps had been constructed, Water Charity was already organizing the delivery of life-saving carbon nanotube filters.
Our first shipment of filters was paid for out of our own pockets, and was flown to the Philippines personally by one of our colleagues to expedite distribution.
Far and away the best and most cost-efficient filter technology, these lightweight, durable and highly effective filters are engineered to less than a micron, and thus prevent all known pathogens, bacteria, cysts, protozoa, and even the smallest virus from passing through.
We started using this technology under our Filters for Life Program, so when the extent of the devastation became apparent, we were ready to step up and help with the relief effort.
The Sawyer filters are a practical, immediate, and long-term solution to the need for safe drinking water. They can last for over 10 years of heavy use, are washable, and are extremely versatile.
With filters ranging from $15 to $80 depending on usage, source water, and volume needed, there is no reason not to ensure that every single victim of this catastrophe can’t at least have the best quality water possible.
The need for water is acute, and will be for quite some time. Long after this event has passed from the news, there will still be people without villages to return to, and helping them with this most basic of necessities is the most efficacious way to contribute to their health and wellbeing.
Waterborne illnesses are the scourge of refugee camps the world over. 80% of all diseases are waterborne, and the damage they do is compounded in the close-quarters and makeshift nature of any such camp. Help us prevent cholera outbreaks, amoebic dysentery, giardia and the host of other illnesses that are all too common in these situations.
Please give generously to this ongoing program. We will accept what you can afford, but we will give special recognition for donations of $100 or more.
Esteemed Donors
The SLOW LIFE Foundation, United Kingdom – $10,000
CannedWater4Kids, Sussex, WI, USA – $1,000
Michael and Carla Boyle, Nelsonville, OH, USA – $500
Elmo Foundation, Charlottesville, VA, USA – $500
Dr. & Mrs. Gary Fraser, Redlands, CA, USA – $200
Carol Host, Glendale, CA, USA – $100
Elena Kramer, Raleigh, NC, USA – $100
Diane Ray, Chattanooga, TN, USA – $100
Robert & Sandy Barrett, Calimesa, CA, USA – $100
Gail Strasser, Perris, CA, USA – $100
Desmyrna Taylor, Loma Linda, CA, USA – $100
Irving Ostrow, Los Angeles, CA, USA – $100
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.