Waves For Water has mobilized an urgent clean water disaster relief initiative in response Hurricane Dorian, the strongest Atlantic hurricane to make landfall on record.

The Category 5 storm, which smashed into northern Bahamas on Sunday, September 1st, hit the islands with initial winds in excess of 185 mph and gusts up to 220 mph. We fear the damage will be on par with or greater than any of the mega-disasters we’ve witnessed and responded to previously. To put things into perspective, Super-Storm Sandy had 90+ mph winds.

Our initial goal, as with any relief initiative, is to mitigate suffering by providing victims with access to safe water through the strategic implementation of water filtration systems, crucial in preventing the spread of waterborne illnesses. Our goal is to get as many clean water filtration systems on the ground as possible. Now with boots on the ground and our local networks established we have detailed our response in three phases:

__Phase 1__ - month 1-2: The initial phase of our Hurricane Dorian Disaster Response has been (and will continue to be) primarily focused on working with the most affected populations – many of which are undocumented civilians, who remain who have been forced to remain on the devastated islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama.

__Phase 2__ - months 3-9: During phase 2, our teams will push into smaller islands that traditionally rely on desalination and large centralized rain catchment systems – which are both vulnerable to contamination after an event like this, and in the case of desalinization systems, are heavily reliant on electricity. During this phase, we will build resiliency within impacted populations by creating smaller individual and community rain catchment systems. The population sizes of these small barrier islands have more than doubled with the influx of internally displaced persons who were displaced from Abacos and Grand Bahama. The increase in population is increasing the strain on their damaged water systems.

__Phase 3__ - months 9 and beyond: Having identified the need for long-term solutions and to build further resiliency against future storms, we will focus our support on trusted local community centers/groups. Ones that will ultimately be responsible for providing support in these communities, for years to come. Not unlike other communities we’ve worked in after events like this, these local groups/centers are ultimately the backbone of their recovery, long-term, and incredible resources for us to funnel our support through.


The impact Waves For Water is able to have is a direct result of your support and all of your help and encouragement is greatly appreciated. Thank you and stay tuned for more updates from the field.

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Bahamas Hurricane Disaster Response

TUMI and Waves For Water have been partners since 2016. Through TUMI’s annual World Water Day fundraising event Waves For Water been able to implement 4,381 filtration systems, 28 rain catchment systems, and 12 wells, in 2018 alone – impacting 134,725 people, around the world. 

In January 2019, TUMI invited a group of carefully chosen brand ambassadors from around the world, who share the same values and concerns, to Langrug, about 80km from Cape Town.  Together we implemented long-term mechanisms through the construction of 3 rain catchment systems, at the community center and two crèches, as well as the implementation of 100 filtration systems in the community.

Now TUMI's brand ambassadors’ have returned from a 4 day trek in the Annapurna area of Nepal. Traveling with Insight Himalaya trekking company, the CREW PROJECT implemented 100 filters to communities along thier route, continuing the work Waves For Water has done in Nepal over the last five years. 

The funds raised through this program will go directly towards the continuation of our work in Nepal with the implementation of water filtration systems, the construction or repair of bore-hole wells, and/or rainwater harvesting systems.

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TUMI x Nepal

On August 5th & 19th, 2018, the island of Lombok was hit by
two consecutive earthquakes of 6.9 and 6.3 magnitude respectively.
The initial earthquake killed over 500 people, injured 7,000, destroyed
74,000 homes, displaced over 400,000 and wrecked devastation to
infrastructure and basic services such as water and electricity. Many
remote areas became inaccessible due to landslides, especially
triggered by multiple aftershocks and the second quake.

Waves For Water Australia mobilised for initial disaster response,
providing filters to travellers and local partners. Filters were implemented 
within the tent camps and tent schools.

Phase 1 of this disaster response, in September 2018, we worked directly with
military, local government leaders and other humanitarian organisations
already mobilised and working as first responders, such as the team
from Hotel Tugu. Much of our efforts where directed to refugee camps,
temporary schools and disconnected villages in Lombok far north.
Collectively we implemented 320 filters to approximately 7,000 people.

For Phase 2, in February 2019, involved implementation of filters to those who were
not accessible during Phase 1, as well as monitoring and evaluation of
all locations from our first visit. By this stage locals had started to leave
refugee camps and return to their villages to rebuild. Our goal
was to adjust what was previously set up in the camps and adapt it to
suit the changing circumstance and living situation of those in need.

Now as we plane for Phase 3 in July 2 we continue to
monitor, evaluate, retrain and service all areas previously visited much
like Phase 2. We will also continue to focus on those in further remote areas
providing access to clean water.

Lombok is an island loved by many travellers for its beautiful beaches,
legendary surf, captivating landscape and lovely people. Waves For
Water Australia has developed deep connections and collaborations with
local leaders who are working tirelessly to help their land and people
recover. We are committed to continued support and welcome yours.

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Lombok Earthquake Response

Tropical Cyclone Idai ripped through Mozambique in the early hours of March 15, 2019 with 110 mph winds and heavy rains devastating this southern African country. More than half a million people were affected in the country and at least 110,000 sought refuge in camps. Reports indicate over seven thousands of cases of Cholera resulted from the disaster in the port city of Beira and outlying communities.

Waves For Water launched our Mozambique Cyclone Relief Initiative shortly after the disaster hit. Our initial goal, as with any relief initiative, is to help mitigate the suffering by providing victims with access to safe water through the strategic implementation of 500 water filtration systems, crucial in preventing or limiting the spread of waterborne illnesses. Then as we have boots on the ground and establish our local networks we work to implement long term programs that can be managed and built upon, locally.

Similar to the post-disaster work we continue to do in Haiti, throughout the Philippines, the Caribbean, and more, we are now in the second phase of the response. Following the initial urgent first phase, the second phase is focused on expanding the program by implementing more long term solutions such as rainwater harvesting systems and borehole wells, while continuing to seek out new regions of need beyond ground zero. We are looking for support to continue the important work we have started in this still devastated region. Thank you for your contribution.


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Mozambique Cyclone Relief

Waves For Water launched SETRI, a disaster relief initiative, in response to the earthquake and tsunami that hit the Indonesian city of Palu and the surrounding areas on Sulawesi Island on September 28, 2018. A 7.5 earthquake, followed by a tsunami, which in some areas reached heights of more than 20 feet, affected more than 1 million people living in the area. 

The death toll surpassed the 2,300 mark, and more than 70,000 people were displaced and 70,000 homes destroyed. With bridges down and roads destroyed, some heavily hit areas were hard to reach, making it difficult to assess damage and provide assistance. However, our team was able to effectively get to the hardest hit areas, strategically implementing over 200 filtration systems to have the most impact.

Indonesia is actually the birth place for Waves For Water... in September 2009 our founder, Jon Rose, was aboard a boat off the coast of Sumatra when he felt a slight shake. A 7.6 earthquake had destroyed the nearby city of Padang, with more than 1,000 lives lost and 100,000 homeless. He was actually on his way to Bali to implement 10 water filters for what was supposed to be the very first action for his pet-project idea, Waves For Water. Instead he became a first responder in Padang and implemented those 10 filters to relief centers around ground zero. It was this experience that truly set the course for what Waves For Water is today.

Our initial goal with any program like this is to help mitigate the immediate suffering by providing victims with access to safe water. Then as we have boots on the ground and start to establish our local networks we implement long term programs that can be managed and built upon, locally. It is really no different than the work we have done (and continue to do) in Haiti. For example, the first phase is urgent in nature and made up of multiple strategic strikes into the hardest hit areas of the disaster zone. These strikes entail us providing access to clean water by distributing portable water filtration systems to community centers, refugee camps, and individual families in these areas. 

Then the second phase, though still providing relief, consists of expanding the program by implementing more long term solutions, such as rainwater harvesting systems and borehole wells, while continuing to seek out new regions of need beyond ground zero. We are committed to continued support in this still devastated region and welcome yours.


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Sulawesi Relief Initiative

Surf To School Day is a 'surf' themed day held at school, creating a beach & surf atmosphere
with the Aloha spirit.
All students and teachers wear board shorts, sundresses, Hawaiian shirts, Leis, sarongs, zinc,
sunglasses and sun hats.
Each student brings a 'pocket money' or 'spare change' donation to participate.
Every child, and their school, can make it as unique, educational and as fun as they like.

Surf To School was officially launched by 11 year old Winter Vincent and Jon Rose on Feb 13th,
2015 at Manly Beach, Australia. Since then over 30 schools around the world have hosted a Surf
To School day, clearly demonstrating that kids can make a difference in the world.

Check out the [Winter the Grommet](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmc_y9cUFRM) video!

“A very enthusiastic crowd of support in the school and wider community was shown for another
kid who is showing that Surf To School Day gives kids an opportunity to be agents for change.”- Parent

“We loved this experience and hope to keep this fundraiser going, to have Surf To School become an annual tradition.” - School Teacher

“ Winter and his Surf To School program is viewed as our local inspiration – our students are of
similar age and his work inspired them to pursue their desire to help others.” - School Principal

Just after his 9th birthday Winter was inspired by pro surfers getting involved with World Water
Day. Seeing photos of them doing what they love, surfing amazing waves, and helping along the
way, ignited a spark. Inspired, Winter penned his thoughts down. From this brainstorming session
came a speech and a concept- "Kids Can Make a Difference". Winter presented this speech to
his school where he spoke directly to his peers about how simple it is to make a difference
regardless of age. Surf To School Day was born.
Following the success of his fundraiser, Winter and his family embarked on a trip to the Mentawai
Islands, Indonesia, to deliver and implement the water filters that Winter's efforts had provided.
The Mentawai islands are world famous for their surf and beautiful islands, however they belong
to a region severely lacking in access to clean water. One in five Indonesian kids under the age of
five die from dirty drinking water. It made sense to focus his efforts here, combining his passion
for surfing with giving back to the communities he visited. This first trip to Indonesia was a life
changing one. "It was the most amazing feeling to see a simple water filter changing these
families' lives....We left knowing they would have clean drinking water now for up to 10 years.”
Maintaining and building relationships plays a crucial role in Surf To School's long-term
commitment to the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia. Each Phase will receive ongoing support from
the Phases that follow it. This means further supply of filters, rain catchment solutions, follow-up
visits in the field, updated field reports, and ongoing 'buddy' relationships between children who
have been involved in fundraising and those impacted by the Waves For Water work.
Since 2014, Surf To School has implemented over 200 filters and installed 3 water tanks in
remote Northern and Central Mentawai island regions, as well as Bali, through work with local
partners over three phases. This has impacted up to 22,000 people.

How do I Surf To School? 
- Ask your principal ! [(Letter to School Principal)](//assets.ctfassets.net/slvl5ni2zs06/6DhvIdykJ89nuxCa2y6v0w/5286a86925a2759829a81aded73fcb15/SURF_TO_SCHOOL_Letter_to_School_Principal-2019_copy_2.pdf)

- Promote the day [(poster)](//images.ctfassets.net/slvl5ni2zs06/760ZLUH5s49umsOEo8aNL5/0d06e3a98080ecee02ce4a5bbc634cbe/H2O_SURF2SCHOOL_PRINT2.jpeg)

Any questions? - contact wintergkv@gmail.com

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Surf To School

Do what you loveHelp along the way

Programs

Bahamas Hurricane Disaster Response

TUMI x Nepal

Lombok Earthquake Response

Mozambique Cyclone Relief

Sulawesi Relief Initiative

Surf To School

Get Involved

Courier Program

Fundraisers

Clean Water Corps

Purpose

Clean Water

Access to clean water, for everyone that needs it.

Impact

Our Partners

Partner 2011-2019

Care4Water CSR Initiative

World Water Day

Feature Length Film

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