Regina’s Kids recently sponsored an “out of dress code” day to recognize World Water Day (March 22). For a donation of $1-2, students, staff and faculty of St. Peter’s High School & Junior High were able to wear “college” sweatshirts or t-shirts and jeans. Three hundred thirty dollars was collected and will pay for two water pumps through Oxfam and two hand-washing stations through Catholic Relief Services.
Oxfam America is a nonprofit organization committed to ending the injustice of poverty.
A gift of a manual water pump through Oxfam allows people to access fresh drinking water in their own communities, rather than having to walk for miles to access it. This simple pump alone can save an entire village from hours of labor and keep people healthy.
Each year, 3.4 million people die from a water-related disease.
Hand-washing stations significantly reduce disease, and increase student attendance and academic achievement. As part of their water and sanitation programming, Catholic Relief Services provides hand-washing stations for families, with latrines, in schools and refugee centers, and in central locations within a community. They also provide basic hygiene education.
“Praised be my Lord for our sister water.”—St. Francis of Assisi
Thank you to Mrs. Maryanne Chengelis for sending this information and photos.