Welcome to Rotary International Water & Sanitation Month.  During the month of March, The Rotary Foundation wants Rotarians around the world to Focus on initiating, sponsoring and supporting water and sanitation projects.  With this month’s emphasis The Rotary Foundation is ensuring that this particular goal receives all needed support. Rotary clubs in District 5050, which includes British Columbia and state of Washington, are joining forces with the Zenith Rotary of Lome, Togo to apply for a Rotary Global Grant. Through association with The Dignity Toilets, the grant will purchase 100 new above-ground composting toilets.  Since 2017, more than 100 such toilets have been constructed under the leadership of Nor’Wester Rotary member, Doc Reiss of Port Angeles, Washington USA.  These toilets are designed to convert human waste into fertilizer.  Addressing the Port Townsend Sunrise Rotary Club, Reiss explained the significance of the project. According to him, “the toilets mean that families don’t have to relive themselves in the fields, where flood waters would increase unsanitary conditions and there are threats of snakes, scorpions and other predators. For every toilet built, it lowers the occurrence disease, helps protect ground water and keeps a family out of the fields.” The Rotary Clubs of District 5050 another international district also encompassing Canada and USA will contribute a total of $15,000 which will be matched by District 5020 bringing the total to $30,000. The Rotary Foundation will provide an additional $22,500 making the total amount raised to $52, 500. With each toilet costing $425, these funds would be enough to build more than 100 toilets between 2020 and 2021, providing between 600 and 800 people with toilets.

 

So far, during the 2019-2020 year, TRF has spent $18.7 million in grants for Water and Sanitation projects worldwide.

 

In the past 5 years, TRF has spent $100,657,464 in grants for projects involving Water and Sanitation.

 

To donate, go to: www.dignitytoilets4togo.org