In 1988, WaterCan founder Michael Lubbock, in outlining his goals, stated:

"My first objective in founding WaterCan was, of course to raise money for clean water projects in the poorest countries. But I had a deeper, long-term aim. Clean water is the foundation of development, since this demands hard work and therefore health; and any doctor will readily confirm that clean water is the basic building block to health. It was my hope that we could bring this great need to the attention of ever more Canadians and thus build a constituency in favour of Canada giving far more of its overseas development budget to meet it."

Michael Lubbock's goals hold true today and since he made that statement, thousands of Canadians and others have come to not only believe in Michael's vision, they have shared in his dream in very creative ways. As a result, over the past twenty years, more than one million people in developing countries have received clean water, basic sanitation facilities, and hygiene education.

This past fiscal year, thanks to our supporters, we estimate that over 20,000 lives were changed in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Following a pattern of 22 per cent growth in 2005-2006, WaterCan enjoyed an increase of 21 per cent over the previous year, raising $1,076,130, (three quarters of which came from private donations, one quarter from CIDA). Sadly, Michael Lubbock passed away in 1989, but his dream lives on, with the promise of a vibrant future.

Please join me in celebrating WaterCan's growth and success of the past 20 years. And on behalf of the benefactors of the founder's vision of Clean Water for All!, my heartfelt thanks.

Gary H.J. Pluim, Executive Director