Belize Water Project

The Rotary Club of Bixby has worked for 2 years developing a large international project that we could partner with Rotary and Interact clubs in the chosen country. This study led us to the country of Belize for several reasons.

Belize speaks English, is a country of destination (Mayan Ruins, Jungles, Diving and snorkeling on 2nd largest reef in the world, stable government, and reasonable air fare).

Also, Belize has 9 Rotary Clubs, 5 Interact clubs, and several Rotaract clubs. This opens the doors to getting Interact students from your club to visit Belize with us and participate in an international project with Interact Rotarians in Belize.

Belize is in Central America bordering Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. Major towns in Belize have chlorinated water but small villages rely rainwater catchment systems and Belize River water is used most for

drinking.

Jack Maxwell is a member of the Bixby Rotary International Committee and D6110 Chair of Water and Health Concerns. He realized that the Belize project should be opened to any other clubs in our District who don’t have a Water Project. Also, Belize has needs large enough to entice other Districts and their clubs to participate as well.

In Oct. 2010 Jack and AG Herb Orr mada a 6 day trip to Belize. They visited 3 clubs, viewed Water Project, Hospital, and Ambulance needs. This trip was augmented by coordinating our wants with their needs through D4250 Water Chair, Sheree Fukai.

Belize Rotary Links: Rotary Club of San Ignacio | Rotary Club of Belize | District 4250 (translated)

The main emphasis of our trip was to develop water projects that would allow Rotary clubs and Rotarians to participate at any level they feel comfortable. Just as important was to develop relationships with the Rotarians in Belize & truly understand their needs.

This 10-2010 trip to Belize resulted in partnerships between D5340 Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary in CA and San Ignacio Rotary in Belize. Their GG25486 provides 2,400 Sawyer filters to all Schools and orphanages in Belize to get the children healthy first. A second grant has begun between D6200 Baton Rouge Rotary club in LA to partner with Belize City Rotary in Belize to provide the same number, 2,400 filters for 2,400 homes for point of use filtration of water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

D6110 is participating primarily in funding assistance, and shipping the products to Belize through our Medical Supplies Network, Inc. (MSNI) warehouse. MSNI has already shipped 10 sea containers to Belize.

Call Jack Maxwell for additional details.

Home 918-296-0689
Cell 918-637-8456

Email jackmaxw@cox.net