As the world already knows, Haiti was struck by a severe earthquake on January 12th, 2010. This tragedy will have lasting impacts on families, livelihoods and infrastructure for years to come. Since 2006, Ryan’s Well has supported the implementation of 22 drilled wells in the Artibonite Valley with partners at Rotary Water for Life and the Albert Schweitzer Hospital based in Deschappelles. With partner Haiti Mission, a drilled well at Kay en Rond in the Jeremie region was constructed in 2008 and, currently, a spring protection project will provide safe water for the population of Ravine Sable.

The Water and Wells team from Albert Schweitzer
Hospital lead by Renold Estimé (right)

We are thankful that all of our partners and their staff are now doing relatively well and continuing their incredible efforts to support the people of Jeremie and the Artibonite Valley. All of the wells constructed prior to the earthquake are functioning and providing much needed safe water for thousands of people in these rural areas. The Artibonite Valley and Jeremie region have both experienced a growth in population with many people and families transitioning to more rural areas with extended family to rebuild their lives. The need for sustainable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education and long term support is now even greater.

Residents of Pisto Village in the Artibonite Valley
gather to see the Water and Wells team from Albert
Schweitzer pump clean water for the first time

As our Phase 3 project in the Artibonite Valley nears completion with the final 6 wells in Ponte Sondé, we are planning ahead for Phase 4 to provide 100 latrines for Ponte Sondé this fall. It is vital that access to basic sanitation is available for the expanding population to ensure safe water is preserved and health benefits are maximized. A gift of $500 will provide a latrine - giving a latrine is giving access to privacy, dignity and good hygiene, especially for women and girls.

Activities in Ravine Sable in the Jeremie region have also progressed to rehabilitate protected springs that provide safe water by a pipe network to water taps providing for over 2,000 village residents. With the projects already underway, we are closing in on our fundraising goal. Your support will help us make the final stride forward for Ravine Sable.

First water flows at Kay en Rond near Jeremie with
Haiti Mission in 2009

Ryan’s Well is committed to working with our local partners at Rotary Water for Life, Albert Schweitzer Hospital and Haiti Mission for the long term. With your help, we will continue to support long term programs providing sustainable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. Step by step, we can improve lives by reducing water-related disease, increasing access to education, encouraging new skills and community management.

Together we can help the people of Haiti take this first vital step with access to safe water and sanitation.

We've all heard stories of strangers - good samaritans - carrying out acts of selflessness on behalf of others. Here at the Foundation, we see - and are inspired by - so many of these acts every day. We were especially touched by the thoughtfulness that came from one of Ryan's most ardent fans from Poulsbo, Washington just a few days ago.

Standing in the airport, she noticed the luggage of a man near her bore a Canadian flag. Being Canadian herself, she asked where the man was from. She learned that although now living elsewhere, he used to reside in Kemptville, Ontario. Recognizing the town, she asked if he was familiar with the Ryan's Well Foundation. When she learned he wasn't, she proceeded to tell Ryan's story and explain the work we do.

Not long afterwards, we noticed she had placed an order for a book and DVD but that the shipping address entered was different than the one we had on record. When we called to confirm the information, we discovered she had actually purchased both to be shipped to the stranger she met in the airport.

Touched by Ryan's story and compelled to help raise awareness of the global water and sanitation crisis - when she met this man from Ryan's home town, she simply thought he might be interested in getting involved and generously took it upon herself to spread the word.

Kindness. Thoughtfulness. Inspiration. Hope. Generosity.

Every day, we're reminded of the incredible impact we have when we reach out to others and choose to work together.

Often overlooked as a form of giving, there are many fantastic reasons to choose to become a monthly donor:

• Did we mention it's safe and easy? Your gift is made automatically through your bank account or credit card. You can sign up by phone or at your convenience online!
• It's flexible! You can increase, decrease, postpone or stop as you please!
• Monthly giving is manageable. It allows you to spread your giving out over the year rather than in one lump sum.
• It helps us do more and use less! Monthly giving requires less paper and mailing with just one tax receipt provided each year. By helping to reduce administrative costs, we can direct more of our resources to creating a greater impact!
• Most importantly, monthly giving is stable and reliable - helping to ensure the long-term future of our programs, plan ahead, respond quickly and make a lasting, ongoing difference.

Whatever your reason - monthly giving is a great way to fight the global water and sanitation crisis together!

Remember, you can also choose Ryan's Well for contributions made through automatic payroll deductions, your local United Way campaign or many other convenient ways to give!

Be Prepared -

Start by setting a goal for yourself. What do you hope to achieve?
Do your research ahead of time to help prepare.

Look at Your Timing -

Create a timeline of important milestones, objectives and targets. This will help give you something to work towards and ensure you don't forget key elements of your planning.

Keep a Budget -

How do you plan to raise money? How will you cover costs for promotional materials? Keep track of all your expenses to ensure they don't exceed your fundraising targets.

Ask for Help -

Avoid feeling overwhelmed by asking friends, family or your community to get involved. Your success will rely on the participation of those around you. Don't be afraid to approach them!

Be Resourceful -

Don't take for granted the resources at your fingertips. Spread the word online through Facebook, YouTube, Twitter; start your own blog; submit to your community, office or school paper; encourage friends and family to share with their own networks! With so many tools available to help us connect with many people very quickly - be sure to take advantage!

Stay Organized -

Update your to-do list regularly, marking off items that have been completed and highlighting the most urgent. Schedule regular meetings with volunteers and help manage any assigned responsibilities.

Be Flexible -

No matter how organized we try to be - "something" will always come up. Being flexible throughout your planning will help cushion the impacts of potential hiccups along the way.

Evaluate -

Both during and immediately following your efforts, look at what worked and what didn't - did you reach your goals? Stay on budget? Meet your deadlines? Evaluating your level of success will help identify key lessons or strategies to implement in future campaigns.

Be Thankful -

Don't forget to thank all those involved with your success! A heartfelt "thanks," a card, trinket or party - show how much you appreciated their support!

Have Fun -

The cardinal rule of fundraising - have fun! Remember, the more you enjoy yourself - the greater your chances of success!

How will you choose to Get Involved?

Before Ryan's well was built in 1999, Jimmy and other local children would spend several hours every day searching for water - water that was often not even clean. The new well not only meant access to safe water, but time they could instead devote to attending school and helping their families.

As with our other projects, we've continued to monitor Angolo Primary School over the years. It's been wonderful to see the impacts of our work to both the school children and community.

Angolo Primary School - Over the Years...

2000 - Ryan visits his first well and meets his brother, Jimmy	2005 - As people return to the area and school after several years in camps, the well is refurbished to once again provide safe water.
2006 - Ryan visits his well again. Angolo is one of 73 schools taking part in the "Health & Hygiene Pilot Project" teaching students and teachers how to improve hygiene practices, handwashing and sanitation through music, drama and dance competitions and classroom studies.	2007 - In partnership with H20 Africa, Ryan's Well provides Angolo with a new latrine block. Since then, two more latrines have been constructed by other groups.
2007 - There are now 800 students attending Angolo Primary School	2010 - Visiting Angolo again, there are now 1030 students and 17 teachers at the school. The well is functioning and continues to provide safe water to the children and area residents. Photo courtesy of Lesley Marino, 2010