Water, food, and air are the essentials of life.
In Myanmar, clean water is rare. The small Southeast Asia country formally known as Burma has water that is debilitating at best and deadly in many places.
Relief and humanitarian groups are working to get residents potable water, especially to the children.
The Rotary Club of Silverton, as part of Rotary International, has answered the call to help. For just $30 a water purification system can be delivered to Myanmar by relief organizations.
Beth Davisson, a long-time Rotarian, knows first-hand the pressing need for water. Her daughter, Amy Galetzka, has worked with Myanmar refugees through her work as a missionary in Thailand. She has been involved with the group, Christians Concerned for Burma. Another daughter, Rachel Davisson, an ER physician in Coos Bay, has volunteered her skills and time on relief missions.
Rotary President Dixon Bledsoe said local response so far has been great.
“We have collected nearly $4,000 in just one month. Our goal is to hit $6,000, good for 200 water purification kits, which have been proven to be extremely effective and last 5-6 years,” Bledsoe said.
The project deadline to raise the $6,000 is May 31. Donations can be any amount. The money will buy kits to be distributed directly to the Myanmar people who need it most.
Donations may be sent to Silverton Rotary Foundation, c/o B&ST, Realty, LLC, 206 Oak St., Silverton, OR 97381. Checks can be made to Silverton Rotary Foundation. For information call 503-602-4320.
