Athens Rotary Club partners in global effort to provide clean water for Indigenous Tarahumara families
Published 8:56 am Saturday, February 1, 2025
The Athens Rotary Club announced its participation in a significant international grant to improve access to clean, potable water for Indigenous Tarahumara families in Mexico.
The Rotary Foundation has approved the global grant application GG2462731: Dancing for Rain — Clean, Potable Water for Indigenous Tarahumara Families Phase 2 (H2H), and it will award $138,001.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving multiple Rotary districts and clubs:
— Rotary District Designated Fund (DDF) contributions from Districts 6780 ($445), 6670 ($10,000), 6600 ($10,000), 4110 ($5,700), 5830 ($14,300) and 6860 ($26,000).
Cash contributions from Rotary Clubs, include:
— Athens Rotary Club ($2,625).
— Pathways Rotary Club ($1,050).
— Decatur Daybreak Rotary Club ($6,825).
— Decatur Rotary Club ($2,100).
— Hot Springs National Park Rotary Club ($525).
— Chihuahua San Felipe Rotary Club ($3,045).
— Chihuahua Campestre Rotary Club ($3,150).
“This project embodies the spirit of Rotary by transforming lives through collective action,” said Griff Redmill, president of the Athens Rotary Club. “Our partnership in this global effort is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together to address critical issues like access to clean water. We are deeply honored to be part of this initiative.”
The Dancing for Rain project focuses on sustainable water infrastructure, hygiene education, and empowering Indigenous communities to maintain their systems long-term. This second phase builds on the successes of the first and reaches even more families in need.
The Athens Rotary Club remains committed to service both locally and globally, aligning with Rotary’s mission to create lasting change.
“This grant represents the heart of Rotary — collaboration, innovation, and service,” said Will Ogles, Athens Rotary Club Grant Coordinator. “It’s incredible to see clubs and districts from different regions unite to provide clean water to the Indigenous Tarahumara families. The impact of this project will be life-changing, and we’re honored to play a part in it.”
For more information about the Athens Rotary Club or how to get involved, visit www.athensrotary.org.
About Rotary International
Rotary International is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change. Rotary works to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water and sanitation, support education, grow local economies and protect the environment.