Posted: August 2006

Gap Inc., the clothing manufacturer, has made a generous donation to EMW’s Village Water Program in support of garment workers in Quang Binh Province. Because of Gap’s $29,000 donation, more than 300 households in these villages now have clean, potable water.

“Gap was very keen to do something in Vietnam, and were especially interested in the provinces where garment workers live,” said Robin King Austin, Director of Development for Vietnam. Dotti Hatcher of the Gap Foundation notes, “For nearly three decades, Gap Inc. has actively supported the communities where we live and work.”

A self-sustaining water system was built that now serves two rural farming hamlets. Mark Conroy, EMW’s Vietnam Country Director, chose Dai Son and Dong Giang Hamlets in Quang Binh for the Gap donation based on his assessment of those areas. Conroy found that not only was there was no access to safe water in those areas, but the existing water supply was heavily contaminated with iron and lime.

EMW has constructed 90 similar water systems in Vietnam, providing over 100,000 people with access to safe water. EMW’s Executive Director John Anner says, “The majority of serious childhood diseases in Vietnam are waterborne illnesses—the clean water program is a priority for EMW because this need is so basic and so critical.”

It costs$100 a provide a lifetime supply of clean water to a family in Vietnam through EMW's Clean Water programs.

More about EMW Clean Water program.