Stories
Today is World Water Day.
When she heard that clean water can help save lives, six-year old Nora gave $8.15 to our friends at charity: water. That selfless gift inspired us to help Nora’s gift go even further. This World Water Day, we’re inviting you to give $8.15 to clean water, just like Nora. 100% of your donation will bring clean water to people in need.
This will be our third year partnering with charity:water in their efforts to end the world water crisis. In the last 10 years, charity:water has worked in 24 countries, funded 23, 377 water projects, and served 7.1 M people.
Right now, 663 million people on the planet don’t have access clean and safe drinking water. That’s one in ten of us.
When you take a good look at all the challenges facing the global poor, one thing stands out. There’s one basic human need that, when met, sparks prosperity and productivity faster than any other single fix: access to clean, safe water.
Clean water can prevent unnecessary deaths, save time, and improve health. It enables people to be energetic members of society and to escape the cycle of poverty.
charity:water is on a mission to change everything. And they believe, now more than ever, that changing everything starts with clean water.
We are excited to share the update we just received our 4th quarter partner, Dri Butts! The first round of the diaper packs were just distributed and we are excited to share the photos with you!
In addition to receiving care and education at the malnutrition in Thomassin, all children who graduate the program get their school paid for, they offer nutrition and business classes for moms, and meals are provided daily during their stay.
This program is truly amazing and saving lives! Thank you for being a part of this story and next month will be the second delivery of packs !!
One of the leading causes of sickness, disease, and death in third world countries is the improper disposal of body waste. We are so thankful that because you chose to work with J.Rich Atlanta, we are able to partner with DriButts to help change this reality. Through our partnership with Dri Butts, we sponsored diaper bags for a year for a Malnutrition Clinic in Thomassin, Haiti. Each of these bags will contain : 3 diapers, education coloring book, crayons, wash rag, soad, 2 bamboo fabric wipes, and rash cream. In addition, families will receive education on the proper disposal of body waste and the importance of sanitation.
It is because of you that Haitian moms will receive the tools and education to help keep their babies and their entire home healthy. YOU have given these mom's and their babies the chance to create a better future for themselves and their entire community. None of this would be possible without you. THANK YOU!
This diaper was created to work in extreme environments with hot climates and where there is no running water or electricity. DriButts main focus is to prevent sickness and disease caused from uncontrolled fecal matter. The diaper is made to wash in a bucket with soap and water and hang up to dry quickly. The diaper is made of two parts, the outer shell and the insert. The outer shell is made of dri-fit material, which is breathable. The insert is made of bamboo and another highly-absorbent material. It is folded in thirds and inserted into the pocket of the diaper. The diaper is not waterproof because in the extreme heat a waterproof diaper made of non-breathable plastics would trap the moisture inside. If not changed right away, it could cause diaper rash, chaffing, or infection. To avoid this, we do not waterproof the diaper. However, the bamboo insert will absorb urine. Because the shell of the diaper is made of dri-fit wicking material, if it becomes wet but is not changed right away, the urine will be wicked away onto the dri-fit shell and evaporate the same as a dri-fit t-shirt would when one sweats.
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The diaper is breathable and lightweight which allows airflow. It not only absorbs urine, but also wicks away the moisture if the diaper is not changed right away. The bamboo insert has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties so it helps prevent infection. It is adjustable and designed to fit a newborn through age two, and it may fit a small three year old. The diaper can be washed in a bucket with soap and water and should be hung up to dry. The outer shell dries in about twenty minutes, and the insert dries in about forty-five minutes. The diaper is reusable and lasts the baby through three years of age and, it can be used for multiple babies.
DriButts diaper was an idea that came from a need that Michael Wahl, founder of DriButts, when he was working in a local Haitian village repairing wells and building latrines. While he was working, he noticed the babies were naked. He saw the babies defecating in their homes, on their caretakers, by the food source, and by the water source. He knew the leading cause of sickness, disease, and death in third world countries is fecal matter. He had just built latrines for the adults and older children, but the babies could not use the latrines.
He returned to the US with the idea to take diapers to Haiti. He did some research on diapers and learned that regular cloth diapers would not work because they were made of heavy materials such as fleece, cotton, and hemp. They would be too hot and hold onto bacteria. Disposable diapers would not work because of expense and he knew of Haitians washing and reusing disposable diapers until they fell apart. Disposable diapers also create a sanitation issue because they have no place to properly dispose of them.
Michael talked with his wife and asked her for some ideas. After some brainstorming, they came up with the idea to try a dri-fit wicking material that is breathable. They had a family friend who was happy to help and developed a pattern for DriButts. She also made the first sets of diapers. When she got too busy with her business, she taught Starla, Michael’s wife, how to sew the diapers. Then Starla recruited some volunteers and together they learned how to make the diapers. In total, they made over 700 diapers. Thankfully, Dributts found a manufacturer which has been a great help.
"This diaper was created to work in extreme environments with hot climates and where there is no running water or electricity. Our main focus is to prevent sickness and disease caused by uncontrolled fecal matter. The diaper is made to wash in a bucket with soap and water and hang up to dry quickly. The diaper is made of two parts, the outer shell and the insert. The outer shell is made of dri-fit material, which is breathable. The insert is made of bamboo and another highly-absorbent material. It is folded in thirds and inserted into the pocket of the diaper. The diaper is not waterproof because in the extreme heat a waterproof diaper made of non-breathable plastics would trap the moisture inside. If not changed right away, it could cause diaper rash, chaffing, or infection. To avoid this, we do not waterproof the diaper. However, the bamboo insert will absorb urine. Because the shell of the diaper is made of dri-fit wicking material, if it becomes wet but is not changed right away, the urine will be wicked away onto the dri-fit shell and evaporate the same as a dri-fit t-shirt would when one sweats. "
