The Oregon Guild branches pooled together to help bring water to students on the other side of the world. This is another great example of how individual Guild employees can inspire a wide reach through Guild Giving.
Medford Branch Manager Brian Case has been a long-time supporter of the non-profit Helping Hands International, traveling around the world to volunteer. In 2019, he invited Guild Area Manager Joe Potwora along on a 14-day trip to Kenya with the group.
The team helped repair 3 wells, bringing fresh water to 1,000 people. They also helped reconstruct a medical clinic that had fallen into disrepair.
While visiting an elementary school in the Mathare slum of Nairobi, Kenya, they learned that the local gangs had taken control of the water supply and students were traveling miles to get buckets of water.
Though not initially part of the plan, the team asked if they could install a well on the school site. The proposal was well received by the principal who advised that the water would not only help the school’s need but they could sell water to surrounding areas, sharing with the community, and helping make the school financially independent.
The well would cost about $20,000. Brian and Joe quickly rallied the Oregon Guild community and friends to help chip in on the cost. Over 50 employees of the Oregon Region donated. The Guild Giving Foundation also provided a match.
The well is now complete and serving over 500 students and countless others in the community!
