PERREAULT Magazine November 2014 | Page 47

Perreault Magazine - 47 -

The Good News

We know how to bring people clean water and improved sanitation. And the solutions are simple and cost-effective. On average, every US dollar invested in water and sanitation provides an economic return of eight US dollars. For only $25, Water.org can bring someone access to safe water for life.

The generosity and compassion of the human spirit to keep persevering in the face of adversity has never been more apparent than in Damon’s and White’s efforts to bring clean water to peoples’ lives. Water.org is transforming lives in a way that does not depend on charity, but rather on the involvement of the people themselves, in taking control of their futures.

To date, Water.org has positively transformed the lives of more than 2,000,000 individuals living across communities in Africa, South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean; ensuring a better life for generations ahead. “By providing families with micro loans to purchase their own water connection or toilet, Water.org is empowering families to take charge of their own futures,” said Richard Thorsten, Director of International Programs for Water.org. (Bloomberg network)

A Beautiful ‘WATERCREDIT’ Success Story

A local partner in India, Grameen Koota and his branch, has lent more than $1B INR ($16.3M US) to individual borrowers. In a country where 802 million people lack improved access to sanitation needs and water. Grameen’s branch has served more than half a million people and is one of the only microfinance institutions worldwide to have made water and sanitation loans at this level. This accomplishment has impacted thousands of lives and has helped to further the mission of Water.org to bring safe water and toilets to all.

To date, Water.org has positively transformed the lives of more than 2,000,000 individuals living across communities

WaterCredit Statistics *Updated August 2014

WaterCredit loans made: 370,606

Water.org has invested: $9.7 million in WaterCredit

WaterCredit has leveraged: an additional $70 million in commercial and social capital

People benefited directly from WaterCredit: 1.7 million

WaterCredit partners: 48 active partners

WaterCredit countries: 9 – India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Uganda, Peru, Kenya,

Ghana, Cambodia and the Philippines

Average WaterCredit loan size: $190

Women WaterCredit clients: 91%

WaterCredit global repayment rate (since 2003): 99%

WaterCredit loans made: $70.5 million

Continued on page 48