Neil Mort, recipient of the Don Evans People of Action Award
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.
About the Water Harvesting Project
The rainwater harvesting system consists of a large metal roof, gutter system, and water tank holding 300,000 litres. Constructed with local labor and supplies, with no “working parts” to break down, it was completed at the Nakurto Lukuny School in Suswa, Kenya. Latrines were also built with health and sanitation education provided by non-profit Dig Deep, which will monitor the project for five years.
After the project was completed in September 2019, the school and community expressed deep appreciation for Rotary’s help. School enrollment has greatly increased, especially for girls, and the last rainy season filled the tank for a fresh, clean supply of water for the whole community.
About the Don Evans People of Action Awards
The Don Evans People of Action Awards are presented to Rotarians in District 5040 who take action to create lasting change in their communities and the world. The awards typically will be presented annually by the District Governor at their District Conference, in the form of a certificate and at the discretion of the District Governor may include a token of their appreciation. It is anticipated that approximately 10 Don Evans People of Action Awards will be awarded annually.
The awards are given to Rotarians who have demonstrated an extra ordinary level of service, with an emphasis on personal leadership and active involvement, that resulted in specific action being taken that helped others through Rotary. This award may reflect an ongoing service or it may relate to a one time set of exceptional circumstances.
