Dear Friend,

A few days ago I returned from a visit with a number of families in Cambodia. I was overjoyed and deeply saddened by what I saw and heard.

Overjoyed, because of the difference that a well makes for a family. Mrs Toek, just five years ago was without a well and without a hope. She produced on average 5 baskets of vegetables a month which were not enough to feed herself and her two children. As a result the children did not go to school, as they worked for others to make enough money to survive. But a well changed all that . . . . now she produces 40 baskets of fruit and vegetables a month beyond what she needs, her children go to school, and she now employs others to work on her expanding farm!

Saddened because we met families on the waiting list in a similar situation to Mrs Oun five years ago. One lady, Mrs. Moeun has the extra burden of feeding and caring for her nieces and nephews whose parents died of AIDS. But they have been approved for a HOPE well. I was disturbed when I heard, that although HOPE Cambodia had planned an enlarged well digging program in 2009, due to the global recession they feel they have to delay the provision of clean water to many families.

We simply cannot let that happen.

By becoming a member today you will ensure a family gets water for life.
1,000 yen a month, such small amount here in Japan, can have a huge impact as it is used to provide water for the poor. By becoming a member, it means that we can, with confidence, tell a family in in Cambodia they will get the gift of water this year.
To become a member or read more please click here.

Thanks for your interest in helping a family in Cambodia lift themselves out of poverty. It is hard to overstate the effect that a well has on a family.

On average a well in Cambodia costs 100,000 yen and serves on average five families or about 25 people. This includes the physical construction as well as ongoing training in water usage, health and food production.

You can help in one of two ways

1. Sponsor a well
   You could do this on your own, or organize a small fundraising event.
2. Becoming a member
   There are you can become a member in a variety of ways...

• Individual Member @ 1000 a month. You will help 3 people receive
• Family Membershiph @ 1500 a month. You will help another family of 5 people.
• Student Club Membership @ 1500 a month. Form a HOPE club on your campus of 3-15 students a month and help spread the message. ( one coin a month per student
• Employee Membership. Talk to your company about contributing directly from your paycheck and asking them to match match you 500 yen a month

Whichever option you choose, be assured that you WILL save lives.

If you would like to know more about becoming a member or sponsoring a well please write me at lowell@hope.or.jp or go to www.hope.or.jp and simply follow the links for making a donation and becoming a member.

Your action will make a difference.