Gary H.J.Pluim appointed as WaterCan's New Executive Director

March 1, 2004, Ottawa - WaterCan is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary H. J. Pluim as its new Executive Director.

For the last ten years, Gary has had extensive experience in the field of international development. He has held senior positions in Gift Planning, Sponsorship and most recently as Director, Ontario and Eastern Canada for a well known, respected Canadian development organization.

Prior to entering the international field, he was employed in the banking and trust industry.

Gary has been actively involved in Rotary International, and served as President of the Ottawa Rotary Club. He was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Kitchener Rotary Club for his commitment to international service work. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce, at the provincial and local levels, having held the position of President of the North Bay Chamber of Commerce.

As a volunteer, Gary served on the national executive committee of the "Live the Vision" campaign, to raise 10 million dollars for the Presbyterian Church in Canada. He also served on the Board of Directors of the former Ottawa Grace Hospital, and was actively involved in their major Capital Fund drive.

"We are delighted to have Gary Pluim as our new Executive Director," says James Knight, Chairman of the Board for WaterCan. "Gary brings with him the right mix of experience, strategic vision and commitment to bring WaterCan to the next level in achieving our goal of "Clean Water for All".

WaterCan is a registered Canadian charity. WaterCan's mission is to help citizens of developing countries build ustainable water supply and sanitation services, and encourages Canadians to lend support. Since 1987, the organization has supported initiatives in 32 developing countries, benefiting more than one million people. This work is made possible by the generous support provided by individual Canadians, service clubs, schools, faith-based organizations and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Gary Pluim will assume his new role on March 1, 2004.