Aquabox talk by Gordon McGlone

York Rotary International Team decided some months ago we would like to support people affected by the current conflict in Lebanon. Diana Naish made enquiries at District 1040 (as a link had been established a few years ago following the explosion in the docks area of Beirut). Gordon who is the current District 1040 International Chairman responded suggesting we consider a donation to Aquabox. An ambassador for Aquabox himself, he agreed to come and speak to the club as he has first-hand knowledge of the work they have recently been doing in Beirut and elsewhere in the world.   

Gordon’s talk was inspirational!!

The idea of producing a simple water filter which could be supplied quickly to communities affected by disasters was that of a member of Wirksworth Rotary Club. The charity Aquabox came into reality 32 years ago and through the support of other Rotary Clubs, its willing members and networks across the world it has saved the lives of countless people by providing essential clean water when none is otherwise available! RC Wirksworth still run the charity from their Derbyshire depot.  The filters are assembled by their members assisted by a team of volunteers and all parts, except the filters themselves are made in the UK (the filters are made in China). These small ‘magic’ filters are shipped in a large box (which also contains other life-saving equipment) to people affected by natural disaster, extreme weather and conflict across the globe. They will produce gallons of clean water for months on end and only cost £75!!! A larger filter is also produced which can be used by a large community, school or hospital at a cost of only £250!!!

Gordon was a member of RC Wirksworth shortly after they launched Aquabox and has stayed passionately involved ever since.   He demonstrated how the filter works – members even drank the pure water it produced! Gordon was able to confirm that Aquabox have sent many filters out to Beirut already. This was just what International Team needed to know as we were ready with a donation of £500 – enough to supply 2 large community filters!!

York Rotary funds very well spent!!

Mary Lumley