Local Man’s Effort To Bring Water To Remote South American Village Succeeds With Help From Berkeley Business And Residents
Peace Corps Volunteer Shai Fierst Rallies Support From American Leak Detection to Solve Clean Water Problem for Villagers
Palm Springs, California (February 25, 2008) - Howie Katz and Hillel Salomon, owners of American Leak Detection in Berkeley, never dreamed they would be somehow connected to a remote South American village, but that was before Peace Corps volunteer Shai Fierst entered their lives.
That moment happened in 2007 when the phone rang and Katz and Salomon were drawn into an effort to help bring clean water to Benita Mofu, a little known, impoverished South American village in the country of Suriname.
“I probably couldn’t have pointed out Suriname on a map before I got involved in this project but that’s the amazing thing about how one action and one person can change your life,” says Hillel Salomon. “This endeavor has not only helped those less fortunate but it’s educated us and given us a new perspective on life in general.”
Fierst, the son of Berkeley residents Karen and Barry Fierst, who are also long time family friends of Salomon and Katz, joined the Peace Corps in 2006. Soon after he arrived in Benita Mofu, Fierst discovered the critical need was to figure out an efficient and economical way for villagers to get clean water into their homes. Although they had electricity, their only water source was a river that had become polluted from upstream mines. The lack of water in the shanty homes was not only inconvenient but villagers were suffering health problems because of the polluted river water.
After a great deal of research, Fierst came up with a catchment solution which would take advantage of the rain forest location of the village. He figured 400 gallon “durotanks” could be installed next to each home and need little maintenance since they’re made of long lasting PVC. Shai went house to house and everyone in the village signed on to the plan, contributing a financial share, as well as agreeing to provide the labor. But more funding was needed.
That&rsquo:s when Fierst began fundraising and contacting family friends including Katz and Salomon who immediately responded with a donation. As a result of Fierst’s determination and hard work, and generous donations from business people and friends like Katz and Salomon, durotanks were delivered to the village at the end of 2007. Feirst reports the tanks were met with great enthusiasm by the villagers who installed them within a few days.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to know our small contribution has helped the lives and improved the health and well being of 400 people,” says Salomon. “Shai Fierst has shown us the difference one person can make in this world and it&rsquo:s a positive change that touches our heart and feeds our soul.”
With one success under his belt, Shai Fierst is now working on a new project and trying to raise money for casaba root grinders.
About American Leak Detection
American Leak Detection is the world leader in the accurate, non-destructive detection of all types of leaks including hidden water and sewer leaks. From swimming pool cracks to concealed plumbing systems, the smallest leak is located with the most advanced, sophisticated electronic devices - without bashing holes in walls or digging up the deck and yard. American Leak Detection sets the standard for non-invasive leak detection and repair with proprietary methods and technology. Founded 34 years ago, we now operate a network of highly trained Original Leak Specialists on six continents. For the last five years, American Leak Detection has been ranked #1 in Entrepreneur® magazine’s “Maintenance Products and Services” franchise sector. For more information on American Leak Detection, call 800.755.6697 or visit www.americanleakdetection.com.
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