On May 24, 2020, the Rotary Club of Vancouver Yaletown’s member and Past President Neil Mort received the Don Evans People of Action Award at the District 5040 “Roskars” awards presentation online.

 

Neil was recognized for his efforts in the Water Harvesting Project by facilitating the construction of a sustainable water supply system that was desperately needed at community schools in the Suswa region of Kenya, to enable more students to stay in school and to benefit the entire community. Neil kept the Vancouver Yaletown Club interested and engaged after first hearing about this efficient water system in 2012 from Chip Morgan, CEO of Africa Water Bank. In 2015, Chip visited again with more details and began the preliminary work with Neil. The project was completed in 2019.

 

Neil guided the project by communicating with Rotary Club partner, Hurlingham Nairobi, who assessed the need and feasibility with the Osupuko Oleng’ Community Based Organization (CBO). With Neil’s leadership, RC Vancouver Yaletown raised funds and proceeded with writing the Global Grant. Neil made two personal trips to Kenya; one prior to work commencing and one after completion.