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Water Purification

Michelle Jirik & Rotary Prior Lake, MN

In 2018, I observed and listened to a young mother share her story about the
struggles of having water for her two young children. I witnessed her showing
us the empty container for clean water and giving her infant water from the dirty
dish pan. This memory will permanently be imprinted on my mind. In the United
States, we are largely unaware of the fundamental importance of water. 1st world
problems! We are lucky that in 1972 the Clean Water Act was enacted to provide
safe drinking water piped to every home and business. What a remarkable and
sadly rare law that was implemented in our country. Over 4000 people die every Michelle Jirik
day from contaminated water; half of them are under the age of 5 or over 80.
Over 80% of the world’s population pays over 1/3 of their daily income for water; most of this water is unsafe to drink.
Witnessing the struggles our friends in Chimbote experience daily, I was drawn to find a way to help. No mother should have
to give their young child contaminated water to survive.

In 2019, I listened to Jon Kaufman speak about his H2 Open Doors water purification systems and how they revolutionize
safe water opportunities in impoverished countries. Motivated after this conference, I knew there had to be a way to bring this
system to Chimbote. Prayer, Patience, and Perseverance were words that we lived by over the next 4 years as incrementable
world events happened, from the pandemic to terrible flooding in Peru, before we were able to see how we could incorporate
this system in the community.

In 2023, working with Jon and my Prior Lake Rotary club, we put together a $48,000 district grant for a Combo Spring system
for Chimbote. Over the last year, we have been working with Jorge and Daniel to find the right place to implement the new
water system and all the technical issues, along with Robert Marschall from H2 Open Doors and Jack E Baker from Innovative
Technologies to develop and create a safe place to install the Combo Springs.
In October 2024, Robert and Jack traveled down to Chimbote and installed the equipment with the help of ACAF's wonderful
staff. To witness the dream come true by bringing safe water to our friends of Chimbote is truly a blessing. So many people in
this community, including our ACAF staff, the children and families of Cambio Puente, and other communities, will have a real
opportunity to have a better, healthier life. I know that I will never be able to share with that young mother what a profound
impact she had on me, but I hope that she knows what a difference it has made in her community by sharing her home and
her story.

Young Hearts Making a Difference
Young Hearts Making a Difference
Katherine Mahli (following in her families footsteps) has a huge passion for mission and has an
entrepreneur heart! While attending Fargo South High, Fargo ND Katherine and a friend
were involved in a DECA Community Awareness Project. They decided to raise money
for supplies for the new kindergarten in Cambio Puente. With great effort they made
$900! This was accomplished by selling cookies and cups of hot chocolate at a football
game. They also organized a group of over a 150 business & marketing students to come
together and make friendship bracelets for the children in Peru. Katherine then traveled
to Chimbote in October 2024 and delivered them to the children!
Young Hearts Truly Can Make a Difference!

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