Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside Restores Clean Water Access in Cristo Rey Community

Playa del Carmen, Mexico – September 3, 2024 – The Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside is proud to announce the successful completion of a critical clean water project in the Cristo Rey community, restoring safe drinking water access to thousands of children and their families. This project underscores Rotary International’s commitment to Clean Water and Sanitation, one of its seven Areas of Focus.

The need for reliable access to clean water is a pressing concern worldwide, and Playa del Carmen is no exception. Seaside Rotary has been actively involved in addressing this issue by identifying and addressing the needs of remote, underserved communities in the region. Through their efforts, they have installed water filtration and purification systems that provide low-income, at-risk families with safe drinking water.

The origins of this particular project date back nearly a decade when Seaside Rotary, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Cambridge Preston-Hespeler in Canada, installed its first clean water system on the grounds of the Primaria Constituyentes de 1974 in Cristo Rey. However, the system fell into disrepair during the extended school closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and was deemed unusable when the schools finally reopened.

Thanks to the unwavering dedication of Roger Mann, a valued supporter and ‘Friend of Seaside Rotary’  a campaign was launched with the Rotary Club of Cambridge Preston-Hespeler to restore the water facility. Funds raised by Seaside Rotary, combined with matching funds provided by Cambridge Preston-Hespeler, enabled the local club to install a new water purification system, once again ensuring that the Cristo Rey community has access to safe drinking water.

This week, the new water purification system was officially inaugurated. The facility is now operational, providing clean water to one of the most vulnerable sectors in the Seaside Rotary’s service area. This achievement is a testament to the power of international collaboration and the impact Rotary’s global network can have on local communities.

“We are incredibly grateful to Roger Mann and the Rotary Club of Cambridge Preston-Hespeler for their continued support and commitment to this vital project,” said Angel Carrera, President of Seaside Rotary 2023-2024. “Their contributions have made it possible for us to restore clean water access to the children and families of Cristo Rey, significantly improving their quality of life.”

Seaside Rotary also extends its thanks to Mariana Solis and Copper Control, who managed the installation of the new system. Their ongoing support, including overseeing the maintenance of the equipment and providing necessary chemicals, ensures the long-term sustainability of this essential project.

The installation of water filtration and purification systems is just one example of Seaside Rotary’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of the children in Playa del Carmen. By addressing immediate health concerns and contributing to long-term community development, these projects play a crucial role in creating opportunities for a brighter future. Healthy, well-nourished children are better able to focus on their education, paving the way for lasting positive change.

Anyone interested in supporting or participating in future Clean Water Projects with the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside may contact the club at info@playaseasiderotary.org.

About Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside:

Chartered by Rotary International in 2012, the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside is a small English-speaking club with 25 members, each dedicated to upholding the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self”. The mission of Seaside Rotary is to positively impact the lives of at-risk children and families in our service area, Solidaridad. Seaside Rotary meets every Tuesday from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM at La Vagabunda Restaurant on Calle 38 in Playa del Carmen. For more information, visit the official website www.playaseasiderotary.org.

PRESS RELEASE AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ROTARY CLUB OF PLAYA DEL CARMEN SEASIDE