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A Source Of Life
Water is a crucial element of life. Nothing can bring a deeper satisfaction and joy to us after wakening from a high fever or playing for hours in the heat than a cup of clean water. In Canada, we turn on the tap and the water flows out beautifully, but for most people in the world, clean water is a lifelong dream.
In many areas in the world, entire villages wash, bath and drink in the same small body of water. Of course there are many health problems related to the lack of clean water but people have no other choice. Understanding the serious effects of having no clean water on the health of the public, we have worked together to improve the water condition in some areas in Vietnam.
After working with local people, we are very encouraged to find out that they need only $50-75 (depending on the depth of the water source) to buy materials necessary to build a pump. Local people will work together to search for the best source of water, to prepare the site, and to dig the soil.
In some areas, the water is undrinkable because it is too basic or acidic. This problem can be overcome by building water tank to store rainwater during rainy seasons for a variety of yearlong uses. The materials needed to build a 4meter cube and a 6meter cube cost $100 and $150 respectively.
Visiting these areas, a beautiful image always comes to me: a drop of water from a willow branch in Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara's hand alleviates all the suffering in the ten directions. When each one of us opens our heart, the same source of compassion manifests and reaches many unfortunate people.
To show our deep gratitude for your help we will engrave on each pump or water tank the donator and receiver's names, and the date of donation. If you would like to make your donation as a gift to your children or other family members we will engrave their names and send a picture to them. This humble recognition means a lot to the villages and especially the children. By doing this they will feel your love and care.
The BD Foundation and the Eyes of Compassion program in theU.S. and Canada respectively have made efforts to improve the health of the people and to raise the standard of living of rural communities through grassroots projects that help rural communities become healthier and more self-sufficient. For more information, please contact: eocvn@yahoo.com
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