Uber Domainer Richard Lau has just announced he has taken on the position of the Executive Director at Water School.
In his year end newsletter he wrote,
“2012 is almost at an end. It’s Christmas Eve and while my shopping is all done, wrapped and tucked under the tree, alas the Lau Christmas Newsletter is yet to be done. It’s my (Richard here) turn to write so I’m sure it’s no surprise to anyone that it is Late As Usual. So, here’s what’s happened in our lives this past year…..”
“”I’m still travelling for work – about 10 business trips a year. We balance it off with family vacations and managed to do two big trips this year. The first was in the summer where we toured through Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise. We took our bikes with us and rode some amazing, unforgettable routes. Our second big trip was this fall through Eastern Canada (Montreal, Quebec, Nova Scotia), and New York City (before Sandy).”
“One big change for me personally this year was that I took on the role of Executive Director at WaterSchool.
A registered charitable organization in the US, Canada and Uganda, WaterSchool provides a simple and sustainable clean water solution to the most vulnerable people in Kenya and Uganda. Using water bottles and the sun’s UV rays, WaterSchool teaches communities a three step clean water program that combines sanitation and hygiene education with a solar disinfection water treatment process called Sodis. After this training, they then have the knowledge they need to maintain access to clean water for life.”
“We have been involved in supporting WaterSchool for over 5 years and it was a natural progression to move from a Board Member when the founder retired early this year. In 2012 we made changes both in North America as well as in Africa, which enabled WaterSchool to reach more people in 2012 with a lower cost base than in 2011. In Africa, we are focusing on training the trainers which enables us to leverage the knowledge transfer. And in North America, the staff is now entirely volunteer/unpaid/probono, and many of the support services are also provided to WaterSchool on a probono basis. If you have a company that provides services to non-profits, please let me know. We are always in need of free printing, admin, swag, etc. Or if your company has a matching program, please add WaterSchool to your list. We are currently running a matching program for US donors with OneDaysWages. For Canadian Donors, consider starting the New Year with an act of kindness that will cost you 10 cents a day.
“WaterSchool has reached over 500,000 individuals since 2007, over 140,000 in the last 12 months alone. Access to clean water is a fundamental human need and the toll on children is especially high. Over 90% of deaths due to water-borne diseases occur in children under 5.”
As you can see, my Christmas Newsletter is pretty much all about WaterSchool. I’m involved. It’s an amazing organization and I’m asking you to never consider buying me a gift again. Instead, join me. Start today with giving 10 cents a day for 2013…. It’s really the best Boxing Week purchase you can make, and a great way to start off the New Year!
**For the sake of clarity, I am not paid by WaterSchool, I do not submit expense reports, I am not reimbursed financially, and I personally contribute money in addition to my time. I’m all in, and I’m hoping you will join me.
