We have compiled a video from exclusive interviews and live video footage from our trip to Haiti in June 2009 that better illustrates what Clean Water for Haiti does and how they are changing lives in Haiti.
Enjoy and spread the word!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLsV2bCqJ1w
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Experience-Installing 34 Biosand Water Filters in Haiti
Today I am blogging from Pierre Payan, Haiti, about 90 minutes north of Port Au Prince. It is 8:30pm local time and I just expereinced one of the most eye opening days of my life!!
Our day started early, about 4:45 AM. The Rollings, the couple that run the mission here in Haiti, have been great hosts and had breakfast ready at 5AM.
After our bellies were nurtured with a solid breakfast we were off with 5 of Clean Water For Haiti's staff to a remote valley about 90 minutes north east of Pierre Payan to install 34 biosand filters to various families.
7:AM-After an extremely bumpy ride we arrived at our first stop and met with village representative Lexis who guided us to the various homes that had ordered filters.
Before I continue, I should give you an idea of how this all works. You may ask who gets filters and who doesn't? It's quite simple: The philosophy of the mission is that by charging families a small amount, 40 Haitian dollars ($5US) per filter, the family takes pride and improves overall health and well being. The mission does not believe in handouts as they have found in the past that recipients do not take care of the filter and generally neglect it. By having a choice and being aware of the benefits of drinking filtered clean water, heads of families are acting responsibly and taking control of their families health!! What a great thing!! Clean water for Haiti does subsidize the majority of the costs of making the filter ($40 US) and employs 19 locals as well as sources all the building materials in Haiti. (Made in Haiti Product)
This town that we delivered the filters today has a population of about 1200, and after seeing with my own eyes how brown the river water is and how many people and animals were bathing, and drinking from it, I am convinced the every family in the whole village needs a filter.
The day did not go without any hiccups. Our truck got stuck in mud for about 30 minutes and we witnessed a huge truck with passengers almost tip over as it backed up right into a huge patch of mud! About 300 people gathered around the scene as we were forced to wheelbarrow the filters around the scene in the humid heat and sweat coming off all the workers as well as our faces as we helped move about 5 of the 175 pound filters about a third of a km!!
So what did we learn today? Haiti is one of the most water impovershed and poorest nations in the world and we are so fortunate to live in a country like Canada. We also learned that it is great to see poor families make conscious decisions and improve the quality of their families life by purchasing a biosand water filter! With more education and awareness more and more families will realize that little investment will be the best gift they can possible ever give there loved ones!
God bless this mission and all the children who were curious who the foreigner that looked different than them was!
Our day started early, about 4:45 AM. The Rollings, the couple that run the mission here in Haiti, have been great hosts and had breakfast ready at 5AM.
After our bellies were nurtured with a solid breakfast we were off with 5 of Clean Water For Haiti's staff to a remote valley about 90 minutes north east of Pierre Payan to install 34 biosand filters to various families.
7:AM-After an extremely bumpy ride we arrived at our first stop and met with village representative Lexis who guided us to the various homes that had ordered filters.
Before I continue, I should give you an idea of how this all works. You may ask who gets filters and who doesn't? It's quite simple: The philosophy of the mission is that by charging families a small amount, 40 Haitian dollars ($5US) per filter, the family takes pride and improves overall health and well being. The mission does not believe in handouts as they have found in the past that recipients do not take care of the filter and generally neglect it. By having a choice and being aware of the benefits of drinking filtered clean water, heads of families are acting responsibly and taking control of their families health!! What a great thing!! Clean water for Haiti does subsidize the majority of the costs of making the filter ($40 US) and employs 19 locals as well as sources all the building materials in Haiti. (Made in Haiti Product)
This town that we delivered the filters today has a population of about 1200, and after seeing with my own eyes how brown the river water is and how many people and animals were bathing, and drinking from it, I am convinced the every family in the whole village needs a filter.
The day did not go without any hiccups. Our truck got stuck in mud for about 30 minutes and we witnessed a huge truck with passengers almost tip over as it backed up right into a huge patch of mud! About 300 people gathered around the scene as we were forced to wheelbarrow the filters around the scene in the humid heat and sweat coming off all the workers as well as our faces as we helped move about 5 of the 175 pound filters about a third of a km!!
So what did we learn today? Haiti is one of the most water impovershed and poorest nations in the world and we are so fortunate to live in a country like Canada. We also learned that it is great to see poor families make conscious decisions and improve the quality of their families life by purchasing a biosand water filter! With more education and awareness more and more families will realize that little investment will be the best gift they can possible ever give there loved ones!
God bless this mission and all the children who were curious who the foreigner that looked different than them was!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Off To Haiti We Go
On Tuesday the 9th, Isabel Prosper and I will be going down to Haiti to spend a week with the mission, Clean Water for Haiti.
We are both so excited and look forward to sharing our thoughts, insights, photos and videos on this blog. Part of the reason for taking this trip is to show everyone who has donated where their generous donations have gone and the change because of it.
Haiti is a volatile country, but vibrant and colorful. Here is an interesting link on Haiti http://www.lonelyplanet.com/haiti
Next time I post it will be in Haiti.
Thanks all for all the support.
God Bless!!
We are both so excited and look forward to sharing our thoughts, insights, photos and videos on this blog. Part of the reason for taking this trip is to show everyone who has donated where their generous donations have gone and the change because of it.
Haiti is a volatile country, but vibrant and colorful. Here is an interesting link on Haiti http://www.lonelyplanet.com/haiti
Next time I post it will be in Haiti.
Thanks all for all the support.
God Bless!!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
We Thank Eurasian Minerals for Becoming a Corporate Donor
Company gives cash donation and moral support to campaign and people of Haiti
Vancouver, British Columbia, May 20, 2009 (TSX Venture: EMX.V) Eurasian Minerals Inc. (the "Company" or "EMX") is pleased to announce to be a proud corporate sponsor of “The Change 15,000 Lives” Campaign which will benefit and directly improve the lives of 15,000 people in Haiti. This campaign was spearheaded this year with the goal of raising $50,000 which will build 1250 biosand water filters in Haiti and provide clean drinking water to over 15,000 people.
Campaign organizer Peter J. Kletas states,” We are thrilled to have a company like Eurasian Minerals which has a large stake and interest in Haiti also have a keen interest in improving the lives of Haiti’s people through investing and supporting sustainable, life changing projects”.
The proceeds of the campaign will go directly to Clean Water for Haiti, a volunteer run, faith based missions and humanitarian aide organization that works to provide sustainable solutions to the water crisis in Haiti. http://www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org/
“Eurasian Minerals is thrilled to be part of an effort to improve the lives of the Haitian people by helping provide sustainable water treatment solutions that will provide clean, safe drinking water for so many people who desperately need it”, states Director of Investor Relations, Scott Close.
Haiti is one of the worlds most water impoverished nations and the poorest in the western hemisphere. The Change 15,000 Lives Campaign is about making change, appreciating life and improving the lives of people who are in dire need of help. To learn more about the campaign and to make a donation please visit their official blog: http://www.change15000lives.blogspot.com/
For further information contact: David M. ColePresident and Chief Executive Officer Phone: (303) 979-6666Email: dave@eurasianminerals.com Website: http://www.eurasianminerals.com/
Peter J. Kletas
Change 15,000 Lives Campaign Organizer
Phone: 403-284-9644 or 866-999-6251 (Toll Free)
Email: peter@pjkandassociates.com
Vancouver, British Columbia, May 20, 2009 (TSX Venture: EMX.V) Eurasian Minerals Inc. (the "Company" or "EMX") is pleased to announce to be a proud corporate sponsor of “The Change 15,000 Lives” Campaign which will benefit and directly improve the lives of 15,000 people in Haiti. This campaign was spearheaded this year with the goal of raising $50,000 which will build 1250 biosand water filters in Haiti and provide clean drinking water to over 15,000 people.
Campaign organizer Peter J. Kletas states,” We are thrilled to have a company like Eurasian Minerals which has a large stake and interest in Haiti also have a keen interest in improving the lives of Haiti’s people through investing and supporting sustainable, life changing projects”.
The proceeds of the campaign will go directly to Clean Water for Haiti, a volunteer run, faith based missions and humanitarian aide organization that works to provide sustainable solutions to the water crisis in Haiti. http://www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org/
“Eurasian Minerals is thrilled to be part of an effort to improve the lives of the Haitian people by helping provide sustainable water treatment solutions that will provide clean, safe drinking water for so many people who desperately need it”, states Director of Investor Relations, Scott Close.
Haiti is one of the worlds most water impoverished nations and the poorest in the western hemisphere. The Change 15,000 Lives Campaign is about making change, appreciating life and improving the lives of people who are in dire need of help. To learn more about the campaign and to make a donation please visit their official blog: http://www.change15000lives.blogspot.com/
For further information contact: David M. ColePresident and Chief Executive Officer Phone: (303) 979-6666Email: dave@eurasianminerals.com Website: http://www.eurasianminerals.com/
Peter J. Kletas
Change 15,000 Lives Campaign Organizer
Phone: 403-284-9644 or 866-999-6251 (Toll Free)
Email: peter@pjkandassociates.com
Friday, May 8, 2009
Marathon Run and Pristine Drinking Water
On May 3rd, I ran the Vancouver International Marathon to raise awarensess on the lack of clean drinking water around the world. I struggled with 2 sore knees and drank a ton of fluids and clean water and couldnt help to think how fortunate I was to able to drink such prisitine water at every water station along the way.
Here is a video of me finishing the race http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw72zor_z0Q
Our campaign will go until July 31st and we are planning on having a fund raiser in Calgary as well as Vancouver so I will keep you all posted. In the next few days I will be posting photos from race day for all you to enjoy!!
Have a great weekend all and remember to count your blessings every day!!
-P.
Here is a video of me finishing the race http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw72zor_z0Q
Our campaign will go until July 31st and we are planning on having a fund raiser in Calgary as well as Vancouver so I will keep you all posted. In the next few days I will be posting photos from race day for all you to enjoy!!
Have a great weekend all and remember to count your blessings every day!!
-P.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Marathon training video!!
Well folks, I am finally going to do what I have been training for over the last 3 months! That is run a marathon for a great cause!! I can give you all 15,000 reason s why. Check out how seriously I have been training over the last few months http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSWwdcDBw_c
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Water Facts to Ponder On
What do you think is the most important thing in your life? Much like the air we breathe every day, most of us probably take clean water for granted and never think about how much we all depend on it for drinking, agriculture, sanitation, and hygiene.
According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), more than 1 billion people – about one in six people in this world – have no access to clean and safe drinking water while over 2 billion lack access to adequate sanitation. The effects of unclean water often lead to an endless cycle of poverty, conflict, disease and death.
If we continue to follow the current trend, by the year 2025 two thirds of the people in this world will not have sufficient access to clean water.
According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), more than 1 billion people – about one in six people in this world – have no access to clean and safe drinking water while over 2 billion lack access to adequate sanitation. The effects of unclean water often lead to an endless cycle of poverty, conflict, disease and death.
If we continue to follow the current trend, by the year 2025 two thirds of the people in this world will not have sufficient access to clean water.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Wow What a Day!! No Pain No Gain!
Hello everyone..
Today I did something I have never done before....I ran 30km
As the days approach to run the Vancouver International Marathon on May 3rd and raise awareness for the Change 15,000 Lives Campaign this long run is essential to marathon training. I ran with a group from the running room, and I must say I kept up for about 3 hours or about 27km and then felt pain in my right knee and foot so decided to run/wak the rest. Yes it was painful, but I am more confident that I can complete the marathon on May 3rd by doing this today. I was inspired by a woman that was running with us that was in her late 50's or early 60's and she motivated me to push even harder and complete this marathon because after all it is for a good cause!!!
Next sunday I peak with a 32km run before lowering the km's as we approach May 3rd. God if your listening please help me get through this!!! lol....
Today I did something I have never done before....I ran 30km
As the days approach to run the Vancouver International Marathon on May 3rd and raise awareness for the Change 15,000 Lives Campaign this long run is essential to marathon training. I ran with a group from the running room, and I must say I kept up for about 3 hours or about 27km and then felt pain in my right knee and foot so decided to run/wak the rest. Yes it was painful, but I am more confident that I can complete the marathon on May 3rd by doing this today. I was inspired by a woman that was running with us that was in her late 50's or early 60's and she motivated me to push even harder and complete this marathon because after all it is for a good cause!!!
Next sunday I peak with a 32km run before lowering the km's as we approach May 3rd. God if your listening please help me get through this!!! lol....
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
World Water Day and Starbucks
On March 22nd, an organized walk for World Water Day was arranged in Vancouver on behalf of our campaign and it was fantastic!!! CTV News was there and did a piece on the 6pm Sunday Night News and we also got a mention on NW980 Talk Radio. Over 50 people marched for 6km through Coal Harbour and Stanley Park and carried water jugs to show what the average person walks to get clean water in less fortunate countries in the world and GUESS WHAT???STARBUCKS donated $1000 towards the cause. YES they did!!So folks, next time you grab a latte from Starbucks remember that they do give to little charities like ours and they are socially responsible believe it or not!Tomorrow we are shooting a video for the campaign and it will be out on the web in the near future!! I will keep you posted.Thank you all who participated in the walk and remember:
TOGETHER WE WILL DO THIS!!!
Peter (I Love Water) Kletas
TOGETHER WE WILL DO THIS!!!
Peter (I Love Water) Kletas
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Change 15,000 Lives in Haiti Kicks Off Awareness and Funding Campaign
Change 15,000 Lives in Haiti Kicks Off Awareness and Funding Campaign
Awareness to be raised through World Water Day, Marathon Run, Facebook, You Tube Video and Blog.
March 19, 2009-An initiative called Change 15,000 Lives has been created this year in support of the Clean Water for Haiti Charities. Our goal is to collectively raise $50,000 from resources worldwide and together make a difference that will impact 15,000 Lives in Haiti. The campaign ends on July 31, 2009.
Clean Water For Haiti (CWH). CWH is a volunteer run Canadian based humanitarian aid organization that works to provide sustainable solutions to the water crisis in Haiti. The World Health Organization considers Haiti the most water impoverished nation. The quality of drinking water is the worst in the world. For more information you can visit: www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org
Campaign organizer Peter J. Kletas expands on what inspired him to spearhead this campaign and why clean drinking water is so dear to his heart. To listen to the audio interview click here: http://www.thenewswire.ca/client_files/cly/15,000%20Lives%201.mp3
To raise awareness for this campaign group organizers have arranged a walk on World Water Day on March 22nd in Vancouver. If you would like to show your support by walking with us in Vancouver, BC, we will be meeting at the Vancouver Art Gallery on March 22nd, 2009 at 1:00 PM to walk 6K. Bring a water jug to represent the walk that millions of families have to do daily for their water supply.
In addition Peter J. Kletas will be running the Vancouver International Marathon on May 3rd. Mr. Kletas states, “Due to a medical condition that requires me to drink double the amount water to keep hydrated, I recognize the challenge of completing this marathon and the importance that clean water holds in my life. On days when training is difficult I picture 15,000 smiling faces and it motivates me to train harder and complete this race for them”.
If you would like to learn more about this campaign please visit our blog at http://change15000lives.blogspot.com/ or join our Facebook group “Together We Can Change 15,000 Lives” and spread the good word.
For media inquiries or if you would like to become more involved with the campaign or become a corporate donor and sponsor of this initiative please contact:
Peter J. Kletas
403-284-9644
prpanos@yahoo.ca
About Clean Water For Haiti
Clean Water for Haiti (CWH) is a volunteer run, faith based missions and humanitarian aide organization started in 2001. As a registered non-profit organization in Canada and the US, CWH works to provide sustainable solutions to the water crisis in Haiti. Through Biosand filter projects CWH is able to provide a simple, effective, and affordable solution to the lack of clean water sources for Haitian families. The household slow sand Biosand filter is a simple design that uses basic readily available materials, allows for easy production, and they are easy to transport. For more information visit: www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org
Awareness to be raised through World Water Day, Marathon Run, Facebook, You Tube Video and Blog.
March 19, 2009-An initiative called Change 15,000 Lives has been created this year in support of the Clean Water for Haiti Charities. Our goal is to collectively raise $50,000 from resources worldwide and together make a difference that will impact 15,000 Lives in Haiti. The campaign ends on July 31, 2009.
Clean Water For Haiti (CWH). CWH is a volunteer run Canadian based humanitarian aid organization that works to provide sustainable solutions to the water crisis in Haiti. The World Health Organization considers Haiti the most water impoverished nation. The quality of drinking water is the worst in the world. For more information you can visit: www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org
Campaign organizer Peter J. Kletas expands on what inspired him to spearhead this campaign and why clean drinking water is so dear to his heart. To listen to the audio interview click here: http://www.thenewswire.ca/client_files/cly/15,000%20Lives%201.mp3
To raise awareness for this campaign group organizers have arranged a walk on World Water Day on March 22nd in Vancouver. If you would like to show your support by walking with us in Vancouver, BC, we will be meeting at the Vancouver Art Gallery on March 22nd, 2009 at 1:00 PM to walk 6K. Bring a water jug to represent the walk that millions of families have to do daily for their water supply.
In addition Peter J. Kletas will be running the Vancouver International Marathon on May 3rd. Mr. Kletas states, “Due to a medical condition that requires me to drink double the amount water to keep hydrated, I recognize the challenge of completing this marathon and the importance that clean water holds in my life. On days when training is difficult I picture 15,000 smiling faces and it motivates me to train harder and complete this race for them”.
If you would like to learn more about this campaign please visit our blog at http://change15000lives.blogspot.com/ or join our Facebook group “Together We Can Change 15,000 Lives” and spread the good word.
For media inquiries or if you would like to become more involved with the campaign or become a corporate donor and sponsor of this initiative please contact:
Peter J. Kletas
403-284-9644
prpanos@yahoo.ca
About Clean Water For Haiti
Clean Water for Haiti (CWH) is a volunteer run, faith based missions and humanitarian aide organization started in 2001. As a registered non-profit organization in Canada and the US, CWH works to provide sustainable solutions to the water crisis in Haiti. Through Biosand filter projects CWH is able to provide a simple, effective, and affordable solution to the lack of clean water sources for Haitian families. The household slow sand Biosand filter is a simple design that uses basic readily available materials, allows for easy production, and they are easy to transport. For more information visit: www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
World Water Day Awareness Walk March 22nd in Vancouver
Hello Friends and Partners of the Change 15,000 Lives Campaign,
We are taking action to help build awareness of the World Water Crisis. The UN marked March 22nd as World Water Day in 1992. Over 1 Billion people lack safe drinking water and this year we are doing what we can to make a difference. If you would like to show your support by walking with us in Vancouver, BC, we will be meeting at the Vancouver Art Gallery on March 22nd, 2009 at 1:00 PM to walk 6 kilometres. Bring a water jug to represent the walk that millions of families have to do daily for their water supply.
Meeting Place: Vancouver Art Gallery (Robson Square)
Date: Sunday March 22ndTime: 1:00 PM
Distance: 6 kilometres
Please contact walk organizer Isabel Prosper for more information on the walk via email at isprosper@yahoo.com
We are taking action to help build awareness of the World Water Crisis. The UN marked March 22nd as World Water Day in 1992. Over 1 Billion people lack safe drinking water and this year we are doing what we can to make a difference. If you would like to show your support by walking with us in Vancouver, BC, we will be meeting at the Vancouver Art Gallery on March 22nd, 2009 at 1:00 PM to walk 6 kilometres. Bring a water jug to represent the walk that millions of families have to do daily for their water supply.
Meeting Place: Vancouver Art Gallery (Robson Square)
Date: Sunday March 22ndTime: 1:00 PM
Distance: 6 kilometres
Please contact walk organizer Isabel Prosper for more information on the walk via email at isprosper@yahoo.com
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Clean Water for Haiti Website
Clean Water for Haiti is a volunteer run, faith based mission and humanitarian aide organization that works to provide sustainable solutions to the water crisis in Haiti.
This is a fact: The World Health Organization has declared Haiti the world's most water-impoverished country. As many as 50% of the people in Haiti have no access to clean water and over 70% have no sanitary sewers.
One reason why I chose this organization is that between 90-95% of all donations go directly to the mission and not to marketing and administrative costs. I encourage you all to browse their website and get a better feel of what the organization does.
The website is www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org
Talk to you all soon.
This is a fact: The World Health Organization has declared Haiti the world's most water-impoverished country. As many as 50% of the people in Haiti have no access to clean water and over 70% have no sanitary sewers.
One reason why I chose this organization is that between 90-95% of all donations go directly to the mission and not to marketing and administrative costs. I encourage you all to browse their website and get a better feel of what the organization does.
The website is www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org
Talk to you all soon.
Change 15,000 Lives Run
Water is vital to people's health and livelihoods yet so many people around the world do not have access to it. In Haiti, over 5 million people or half the entire population do not have access to clean drinking water, therefore I propose we do something about it. I’d like to introduce you to an organization called Clean Water For Haiti. (www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org) On May 3rd I will be running a marathon for this organization and I am calling it the, "Change 15,000 Lives Run" This year, you can help raise $50,000 that will change 15,000 lives in Haiti. The goal is to raise awareness and to help improve the lives of men, women, and children living in Haiti. I am calling you to participate in this campaign. Our goal is to provide Biosand water filters to over 1250 homes, in which over 15,000 people will benefit from and live happier and healthier lives. God has called us to serve. This is a great way to make a difference in 2009. Yes the economy is in a slump, however we are still blessed and can bless others.Let's change 15,000 Lives FOREVER!
Please encourage your friends and colleagues to help in any way they can and make a difference in this world! We can start with Haiti!
Citizens from all over the world can donate online on the link provided below. If you are donating online please use the CanadaHelps.org link, no matter what country you are donating from. If you prefer to mail in a donation, there is a US as well as Canadian mailing address provided.NOTE:Please make a note that your donation is for "Change 15,000 Lives Run" so we can track all the proceeds coming in.
TO DONATE: http://www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org/Design/HTML/donate.html
Together we can move mountains!! God Bless!
Please encourage your friends and colleagues to help in any way they can and make a difference in this world! We can start with Haiti!
Citizens from all over the world can donate online on the link provided below. If you are donating online please use the CanadaHelps.org link, no matter what country you are donating from. If you prefer to mail in a donation, there is a US as well as Canadian mailing address provided.NOTE:Please make a note that your donation is for "Change 15,000 Lives Run" so we can track all the proceeds coming in.
TO DONATE: http://www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org/Design/HTML/donate.html
Together we can move mountains!! God Bless!
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