As 2022 begins to wind down, we look back on our massive year, that marks an impressive 15 years for Water Charity.
We could easily rest on our laurels and know that we have already helped over 9 million human beings directly with our projects and programs. The "ripple effect" from our work is incalculable. Who can say how many kids that might have died, went on to live productive lives and contribute to their families, villages, nations and the world? Knowing that waterborne illnesses are the single largest killers of children under 5 worldwide... it is a sobering thought.
We CAN say that WC has spawned dozens of NGOs and partner charities. We watch with pride as the hundreds of project managers, RPCVs, and friends of WC go on to do big things in development and philanthropy. (With our direct help, and without.) They are now working for prestigious groups like the Red Cross and the UN. Many have their own 501(c)(3) organizations and national NGOs.
Things have grown. Many changes are afoot. Notably, our esteemed co-founder, and longtime Treasurer, Averill J. Strasser, Esq. and his partner, our ED for many years, Beverly Rouse, have both retired. Technically, they were both retired when we started this venture. That they put in so many years of service (without any compensation) is a testament to their amazing spirits. They will be missed, and it can rightly be said that Water Charity would not exist without the incomparable energy Averill selflessly gave to this. He continues to be a valuable consultant and friend to the org. (They can be seen below bookending a team we created in Togo)