doTERRA Donates to Thirst Relief International to Provide Communities with Clean Water

PLEASANT GROVE, Utah, Aug. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — The doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation™ provided a monetary contribution to the nonprofit organization, Thirst Relief International, to help with fundraising efforts that will bring clean water to communities around the world. The funds provided by doTERRA will go toward the construction of BioSand filters that will provide clean water in places like Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. This money will also allow Thirst Relief to hire local labor to execute the BioSand filter project, train community members on filter repair techniques and proper usage, and educate people about proper sanitation and hygiene practices in several locations.

The construction of BioSand filters is one of many projects that Thirst Relief uses to bring clean water to people in need. The BioSand filter is an advanced version of the slow sand filter, which treats raw water-making it safe to drink. Throughout the world, many communities have limited access to clean water, which leads to diseases. Each year, over 1.5 billion people are affected by water-related infections and diseases.

A large portion of water-related diseases come from parasites in contaminated water. Those who are infected by contaminated water can experience severe symptoms and side effects including pain, disability, and even death. Water-related diseases like Guinea worm, Crypto, and giardiasis can infect anyone who has come in contact with water contaminated by parasites, and are common among those without access to clean water. Diarrhea is the most common water-related illness, caused by gastrointestinal infections in those who have been exposed to contaminated water.

Through several projects, Thirst Relief International has served over 400,000 people in eight countries. By working with local partners to utilize available technology, the organization has provided water to several communities in desperate need of a clean water source. Among other benefits, giving communities access to clean water helps to lower the number of people with water-related infections and diseases. Thirst Relief raises funds to help provide BioSand filters, to drill and repair wells, and to provide drinking fountains and water storage for schools. Thirst Relief International can bring clean water to communities around the world with the help of volunteers and donations-saving lives in the process.