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In apowerful collaboration with Save the Children, and under the thoughtfulleadership of Karine Ichtay, our Community Service Director, the "Splashof Hope" initiative was launched to respond to a deeply felt need inour community—access to clean water and proper sanitation. This project focusedon improving hygiene conditions and promoting health at Beit Al Yatimand the Shemlan Center for People with Disabilities, centers that carefor some of the most vulnerable members of society.
The projectprovided 165 individuals with critical WASH kits valued at $1,000,including 360 gallons of chlorine liquid, 480 bottles of handsanitizer gel, and 6 Free Residual Chlorine testers. These essentialsupplies were more than just items—they were tools for dignity, health, andsafety in environments where waterborne diseases pose a significant risk.
But theimpact of Splash of Hope went beyond the distribution of supplies. Throughhands-on training sessions, the project empowered staff members—from chefs totechnicians—with knowledge and practical skills in water hygiene, safe chlorineusage, and sustainable water management. By fostering an understanding of watersafety and sanitation, we equipped the teams at both centers with the tools tomaintain a healthier, safer environment long after the project concluded. Thesesessions also reflected Rotary’s commitment to Basic Education and Literacy,giving participants the education they need to make long-term improvements.
At the heartof the initiative was a strong emphasis on inclusion. Recognizing theunique needs of individuals with disabilities, Karine Ichtay and the projectteam designed engaging activities that were both fun and accessible. Inclusivegames, face painting, and snacks ensured every participant felt seen,celebrated, and involved. These thoughtful touches created an atmosphere of joyand belonging—proving that community service is not just about solvingproblems, but also about bringing people together in meaningful, human ways.
Splash ofHope is more than asingle act of service—it is part of a broader vision of Extending Legacies.It aligns with several of Rotary’s Areas of Focus, including Water,Sanitation, and Hygiene, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Maternaland Child Health, and The Environment. Moreover, it contributesdirectly to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3:Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 6:Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, andbeyond.
This projectsets a precedent for what meaningful service can look like—driven bycompassion, executed through collaboration, and rooted in sustainability. Itreminds us that even the smallest acts—like a splash of water—can ripple intolasting change.
