The Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club has reinforced its commitment to international humanitarian service by donating $2,500 to the HANWASH initiative (Haiti National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Strategy). This ambitious, Rotary-driven effort aims to bring clean water and sanitation to every household in Haiti by 2030.
During a recent presentation at the Festival of the Stars, Rotary Club President Esther Baldridge presented the donation to incoming District 6290 Governor Jeff Coil, affirming the club’s dedication to global service. “We believe in building hope through action,” Baldridge said. “This gift represents more than money, it represents life, dignity, and sustainability for the Haitian people.”
What Is HANWASH?
HANWASH is a groundbreaking partnership between Rotary District 7020, Haiti’s national water and sanitation authority (DINEPA), and multiple NGOs. The initiative is focused on:
- Developing long-term water infrastructure in Haitian communities
- Improving hygiene education and public health practices
- Promoting community ownership and maintenance of water systems
HANWASH isn’t just about charity, it’s about sustainability, accountability, and results. Each project is locally managed, professionally engineered, and maintained with Rotary oversight and transparent financial reporting.
Why This Donation Matters
Haiti remains one of the most water-insecure nations in the Western Hemisphere. An estimated 35% of the population lacks access to basic drinking water, and over 60% have no access to safely managed sanitation services.
The Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club’s $2,500 donation will directly support current and future projects designed to change those statistics. These funds help cover the cost of:
- Local labor and construction materials
- Hygiene education programs
- Community engagement and training
- Long-term monitoring and reporting
A Commitment to Service Above Self
This contribution to HANWASH is just one example of how the Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club lives out Rotary International’s mission of Service Above Self. While the club actively supports local education, health, and economic development initiatives, it also believes in the power of global citizenship.
By investing in clean water, a basic human right, the club is helping to break the cycle of poverty and disease in Haiti, offering real hope for a healthier, more resilient future.
Get Involved in Hanwash
Want to support HANWASH or learn more about Rotary’s clean water initiatives? Visit:
🌍 https://www.hanwash.org
🌐 https://www.rotary.org
Or reach out to the Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club to learn how you can be part of service projects that matter, both at home and abroad.
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