1000 Survival Gardens Information 

 
UPDATE: 1000 SURVIVAL GARDENS
 
At the March District Talk Show the theme of which was Water & Sanitation, the Rotary Club of Winnipeg delivered a presentation on the “1000 Survival Gardens” in South Africa, and issued a challenge to D5550 clubs to donate at least one Survival Garden kit (CDN $250) which would be matched by RC Winnipeg.
 
This was followed with a full article in the April edition of the District Newsletter.Presentations were requested by several District Clubs that captured the imagination of its members, many of whom donated well in excess of a single kit, resulting in nearly $9000 being raised thus far! This is the equivalent of almost 36 kits which will be doubled to 72 through the matching challenge!
 
We wish to share sincerest thanks to the District Clubs and their members that have generously contributed. We look forward to hearing from more Clubs soon!
 
Find out more about this inspiring project by contacting Gary Dawyduk (garyd@mymts.net). RC Winnipeg will be matching donations for the foreseeable future and we are most willing to provide more information and/or a Zoom presentation to your Club.
 
Joyful recipients from the Valley of 1000 Hills who received their Survival Garden kits in May 2021
 
Our partner Rotary Club (RC) of Hillcrest is the lead club of the “1000 Survival Gardens Project” which aims to address the water and food needs of these communities.  The goal of this ambitious project is to assemble and distribute 1000 “survival garden kits” to 1000 women in the hardest impacted areas.  The kit consists of a technology known as the “hippo water roller” plus basic tools to grow a garden, including a shovel, rake, hoe, watering can, seedlings, compost, and fertilizer.  Also provided is a guide on growing a garden, sanitizer and a face mask.  
 
“Hippo rollers” are devices that greatly improve the ability for women and girls to transport water in 90-litre cylindrical containers that easily roll on the ground.  This technology saves labour and allows the women time to focus on other family building tasks, such as growing their gardens to establish some self-sufficiency.  This also frees up time for girls, allowing them to focus on their education.
 
To donate to this project click Visit www.winnipegrotary.org and click on DONATE to make  gift online though Canada Helps.
 

Hippo Roller Water Carriers and the 1000 Survival Gardens Project

      
 
The COVID pandemic has disrupted the availability of daily needs that are already scarce in remote South African communities.  Amongst these essentials is a consistent supply of clean water and food.  The gathering of potable water is carried out by women and girls, involves extensive labour, and sometimes requires that they walk substantial distances from their homes.  Traditionally, the water is carried in 20-litre buckets on their heads.  In addition, basic food supply chains have been disrupted as the country has introduced various lockdowns which have further isolated remote communities.
 
Our partner Rotary Club (RC) of Hillcrest is the lead club of the “1000 Survival Gardens Project” which aims to address the water and food needs of these communities.  The goal of this ambitious project is to assemble and distribute 1000 “survival garden kits” to 1000 women in the hardest impacted areas.  The kit consists of a technology known as the “hippo water roller” plus basic tools to grow a garden, including a shovel, rake, hoe, watering can, seedlings, compost, and fertilizer.  Also provided is a guide on growing a garden, sanitizer and a face mask.  
 
“Hippo rollers” are devices that greatly improve the ability for women and girls to transport water in 90-litre cylindrical containers that easily roll on the ground.  This technology saves labour and allows the women time to focus on other family building tasks, such as growing their gardens to establish some self-sufficiency.  This also frees up time for girls, allowing them to focus on their education.
 
RC Hillcrest is partnering with several international Rotary Clubs in South Africa, Australia and Canada to bring survival garden kits to the Durban/Kwazulu-Natal region.   A key partner is the RC of Gibsons, BC, where fellow Rotarian Luke Vorstermans has co-launched an international fund-raising initiative known as the “Roll-a-Hippo Foundation.”  The Foundation supplied 40 hippo rollers, and to fund the remaining components of the kits the Winnipeg Rotary Club donated USD $500.  These kits were received by 40 women in late July 2020 with great joy and appreciation.