WaterCan Runs Postcard Campaign

WaterCan@Queen’s presented students with an awareness campaign Tuesday to commemorate World Water Day.

The club, a branch of the international WaterCan organization, provided information about the challenges of obtaining clean water in third-world countries.

In 2000, the federal government pledged to give 0.7 per cent of Canada’s annual GDP to development aid, said WaterCan co-chair Salima Gilani, ArtSci ’05. However, she said only 0.2 per cent is being used.

WaterCan@Queen’s has dedicated most of their energy this year to raising money towards building a well in the village of Enseno in Ethiopia, Burnier said.

Engineers from Ethiopia will design the well—which will cost $75,000 to construct and maintain—using readily available tools and materials. When completed, the well will provide water for 3,000 people.

WaterCan@Queen’s hopes to contribute $20,000 to the project. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will contribute $2 for every dollar raised, for a final contribution of $60,000.

Queen's Journal