Dear Friends of A Vision For Clean Water,
As this most extraordinary year draws to a close, we at AVFCW sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe as we continue to work through COVID-19 challenges.
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global community is tragic and confounding. Yet, it has shown us that creativity and kindness continue to be an elixir for well-being. Access to clean water is a key component of pandemic prevention, especially for frequent hand washing. In accordance with pandemic guidelines, our volunteers remained busy in the U.S. supporting communities where assistance was needed with clean water and sanitation programs.
Here are some highlights of our 2020 work:
- In America’s Southwest, the Navajo Nation, about 30-40% of households do not have access to clean water. Residents must travel to a communal water site where they share access with hundreds of people from different communities making them more vulnerable to COVID-19. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes handwashing with soap as one of the most effective ways of preventing virus spread. AVFCW is working with our partners to install permanent handwashing stations to help stop virus spread.
- AVFCW established a relationship with Plumbers Without Borders (a global, non-profit grassroots organization of volunteer plumbers working on water and sanitation projects) to help with their work in Navajo communities.
- Our annual workshop was originally filled to capacity with 30 registrants (10 from Haiti). Unfortunately, with pandemic travel restrictions, we had to postpone it. However, with AVFCW’s training in demand, we went virtual!
- Together with our long-term partners, the Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST), we successfully sponsored our first online workshop. While we prefer in-person training, we now have the capability to bring our workshops to people around the world, and will resume in-person sessions when possible.
- AVFCW team members volunteered in Midland, MI to help clean up after the catastrophic Edenville Dam break.
As an all-volunteer organization, AVFCW counts on your donations to continue our life-giving work. Please use this secure donation link if you would like to contribute to our mission: https://avisionforcleanwater.org/campaigns/donate/
On September 1, 2020, I turned the reigns of AVFCW over to our very capable and passionate new Executive Director, Nikki Beetsch. My husband John and I will continue in an advisory capacity. As Nikki and I move into our new roles, I thank you for your continued generosity and support.
On behalf of AVFCW, I wish you blessings and good health this holiday season and throughout 2021.
Warm Regards,
Eileen Heasley
Executive Director Emeritus & Advisor
A Vision for Clean Water
