With the year rapidly coming to an end (seriously, when did December get here??), we've compiled a list of our top highlights for 2011!
Don't get us wrong, a lot has happened this year! But we worked to squeeze our favourites into this top 10 list:
10. The Launch of our Giving Circle
In March, we launched the Ryan's Well Giving Circle as a way for people dedicated to taking action against the global water & sanitation crisis to get involved using a more hands-on approach. Just last month, charter member - Wayne VanderWees - selected the group's first project! Thanks to their support, we will be able to provide a school rainwater harvesting system and handwashing for over 550 students and teachers as part of our Community Water & Sanitation for Amansie West Phase 3 project in Ghana.
9. Ryan in the News
While balancing his 3rd year of university, Ryan has also been able to continue sharing his story around the world as often as possible:
8. Pii en Kwo: Water is Life Photo Exhibit
In early 2010, photographer Lesley Marino accompanied Ryan's Well representatives on a monitoring trip to Uganda to document our work and impact. This March, Lesley's pictures were exhibited at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, showcasing the incredible impact Ryan's Well projects have on the local people.
"It is my hope that these images adequately capture the hope, joy and positive change that the Ryan's Well Foundation fosters among the people in this region." - Lesley Marino
You can find many of Lesley's pictures throughout our website, too!
7. An Inspiring Evening with The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean
Just last month, we were honoured to join the Kanata Rotary Club for a very memorable evening as they recognized The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean as a Paul Harris Fellow.
"It really was inspiring, I have to say, to be among others who share a passion for what Madame Jean described as 'our resolve to see the fundamental values of humanity triumph in our communities, across our country, and around the world.'" - Jane Baird
Read the rest of Jane's review of the night.
6. Ryan Receives the Lewis Perinbam Award
November was a busy month as the World University Service of Canada also awarded Ryan with the Lewis Perinbam Award in International Development. Ryan was honoured to accept the award in front of 400 professionals, students & high-ranking delegates at the awards gala in Ottawa, Ontario.
5. School Challenge Excitement!
On March 22 - World Water Day - we wrapped up our 2nd School Challenge project. With the help of 24 schools from 6 countries, we were thrilled to surpass our $25,000 goal and bring WASH (water, sanitation & hygiene education) to the 905 students and 13 teachers at Ariek P7 School in northern Uganda!
This September, we launched our 3rd School Challenge project and hope to celebrate similar success! Unlike previous projects, this year, participating schools will be learning about rainwater harvesting - an alternative to drilling a well.
It's not too late for your school, group or class to get involved and help us raise $30,000 to improve the lives of over 2,500 people in Ngong Sub-County, Kenya!
4. Our First Project in Partnership with CIDA
Earlier this spring, we were thrilled to receive news that we would be receiving financial support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to implement water and sanitation projects in northern Uganda. This 2-year project, to be completed in July 2013, will focus on reducing water-related diseases by improving access to safe water and sanitation for 16,600 people - of which, 6,000 are children, youth and teachers from area schools.
With help from an incredible matching-funds opportunity, we've reached our $62,500 fundraising goal for Year 1 of the project. As of November, 9 wells have been constructed and 5 latrines are near completion - along with continuing community water and sanitation training.
Get the latest updates from ths exciting project!
3. Welcoming Jane!
In early August, we welcomed our new Executive Director, Jane Baird, to the Ryan's Well family. Jane, previously a high-tech marketer, began like most of the Foundation's staff - as a volunteer.
"One of my areas of focus will be helping grow awareness of the Foundation’s work, bringing these stories to even more people. It’s pretty powerful to realize that, by continuing to tell that story and enlisting others in the Ryan’s Well family, we can help improve even more lives." - Jane Baird
We look forward to learning and growing together!
2. Celebrating our 10th Anniversary!
2011 marked an important milestone for the Foundation - our 10th Anniversary! Although Ryan began his journey of clean water for all in 2008, it wasn't until years later, in 2001 that the Ryan's Well Foundation was formed.
Over the past 10 years, the Foundation has remained true to its roots focusing on completing sustainable water and sanitation projects with experienced local partners and maintaining a personal relationship with donors and supporters.
"It's hard to imagine that my simple, naïve, Grade One school project has grown into the Ryan's Well Foundation. Over 10 years, the work of the Foundation has become the work of countless people, young and old, from around the world. This is a message for all that even kids in Grade One can make a difference." - Ryan Hreljac
1. 700 Wells & 839 Latrines Completed to Serve 736,569 People!
This is one set of numbers we love to watch grow! With 1 in 6 people living without access to safe water and 2.6 billion without basic sanitation - every project we complete means more people will have a chance at living healthier, more prosperous lives. More children will be able to get the education they need and deserve. More women will be empowered with the dignity and tools they need to thrive.
Of course, these accomplishements would not be possible without YOU. We can't thank you enough for your continued support!
Now, let's make 2012 our best year, yet!