In an effort to raise awareness and financial support for water scarcity and sanitation issues in Kenya, Streams of Mercy Water Initiative invites the public to attend a fundraiser dinner this Saturday at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 6 p.m.
The group is concentrating on raising $2,500 to construct a water well in Kisii, a village located in southwest Kenya. Initial funding will cover costs of training two community health volunteers in sanitation and hygiene techniques. In addition, training in soil enhancement practices leading to better water retention and improved crop production is included.
“We want to reach out by addressing a clear need,” said Michael Hughes, co-chair, Streams of Mercy. “This project will have a direct impact.”
The project was inspired by Dan Haskins, Our Saviour’s council president, after he completed a veterinary mission in the area.
“While serving in Kisii, I was amazed by the amount of time and effort families put into collecting and hauling water,” said Haskins.
It was not unusual to see women and children hauling five-gallon containers of water over several miles of hilly terrain, he said.
Stanwood residents Edward and Lucy Wanambisi are assisting the initiative by offering personal insight regarding water issues in Kenya. The Wanambisi family emigrated from a village north of Kisii last year.
“Our people are getting sick from water-borne diseases because they can’t gain access to treated water,” said Wanambisi. “You are putting your life at risk when you reach down in that dark water, but you know you really have no alternative.”
Streams of Mercy is hoping to provide a safe alternative by working directly with the Heidelberg Christian Community and Medical Centre, a non-governmental relief and development organization. The well in Kisii is part of a wider project involving 10 construction sites throughout Kenya.
“This project will not only improve the quality of life for people,” said Hughes, “it will save lives.”
The community dinner on Nov. 14 will feature Kenyan cuisine and live music performed by the Wanambisi family. Donations will be collected until the New Year through Streams of Mercy water bottles located at local businesses. Donations can also be dropped off at the fellowship hall “Streams of Mercy” station in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 27201 99th Ave N.W., 629-3767.
