Jake R. Jagdfeld’s Post

Tragedy in Bhuj: Four Children Lose Their Lives Due to Suspected Contaminated Water Bare with me for a moment as I reflect on a tragedy that has shaken the community of Bhuj and should concern us all. In the span of just one week, four innocent lives were lost. Four children. Their laughter silenced, their futures stolen—all because of something as basic as water. Contaminated water, suspected to be the cause, took away what was most precious to their families and their community. Water—something we often take for granted. It’s supposed to be life-giving, but in Bhuj, it became a source of death. This harsh reality serves as a painful reminder that access to clean, safe drinking water is not just a necessity; it’s a right—a right that every human being should have, without exception. Let’s break it down. Water contamination occurs when harmful substances, like industrial waste, sewage, or chemicals, infiltrate our water sources. What’s meant to sustain us turns into something deadly. This is why safe drinking water is non-negotiable. It’s essential for preventing disease, protecting our children, and ensuring the health of our communities. At Enrich, we’ve always believed that no family should ever suffer due to unsafe water. Our commitment to safety and quality is at the heart of everything we do. We’ve implemented rigorous purification processes to ensure that every drop of water we provide is safe, clean, and healthy. From filtration to quality checks to certifications, we leave no stone unturned. But it doesn’t stop there. We’re committed to doing more. We’re committed to going the extra mile to ensure that tragedies like the one in Bhuj never happen again. Our mission extends beyond just providing water—it’s about ensuring that every community has access to safe drinking water. So, what can we do together? By choosing Enrich, you’re not just ensuring safe water for your family. You’re joining us in our mission to bring safe water to those who need it most. Let’s work together to prevent tragedies like the one in Bhuj. Let’s make sure that no child ever loses their life because of something as preventable as water contamination. If we can do this, we can prevent these tragedies. We can make a difference. Trust me, If we can do it, you can too. Let’s ensure safe water for everyone. Choose Enrich.

That was one heck of a storm last night, wasn't it? One thing that resounded (besides the thunder) were posts about how the weather in the last two years has caused a panicked response in some of our friends, based on the tornado activity in Lindsay last year, or the derecho from a couple of years ago. The fear that it could happen again is valid, and the concern that this time, it could flatten property or take lives (four and two-legged) is also valid. If you remember the aftermath of those events, outside of insurance claims and cleanup costs, there was a lot of neighbours coming together to help each other out. It ranged from people donating freezer space for those who had lost power, to neighbours with knowhow using chainsaws and axes to clear away fallen trees. Those who brought out their grills to feed those without, and reduce the amount of food that got thrown out. Just like 20 years ago when the Great Peterborough Flood happened and neighbours stepped up to help people who were displaced or had unbelievable damage to their homes or businesses. We all remember that poor beaver, waddling down George Street, confused as to where it was and how it got there. Again, once the insurance claims were in and cleanup started, it was time for friends and neighbours to shine. The helping hands in a time of crisis. What makes a community is the people who live there and are quick to jump up to ask "What do you need" and "How can I help" when there's an emergency. To that end, we have more than 165 volunteers who are ready to step up during the next emergency. Pretty impressive, right? And you know what? They usually volunteer when there isn't an emergency. So here's to you. The helpers. You're awesome. (Mr. Rogers quote courtesy PBS.) #LookForTheHelpers #HelpingHands #CommunityBuilders #Volunteering #StormyWeather

Wow. Yesterday I took a drive out to Outward Bound to drop off equipment for their Florida lodge. I cant describe the amount of devastation remaining from the flooding of the Swannanoa River. 4 weeks out from the storm and there is still so much to do. This disaster has displaced so many people, many that were financially vulnerable to before the storm. Entire communities were flattened or floated down the river. While driving by the Asheville Christian Academy I noticed entire houses flattened and laying on the sports fields. Its hard to put into the words the emotion from a passerby let alone those who are living in tents in front of their once homes. Floridians are probably used to the amount of water ingress to their properties but I am amazed by the amount of debris that was thrown down river in a matter of hours. For miles along this route there are businesses, homes, tools, household appliances, clothing, yard equipment, chemical containers, in ground gas station tanks, holding tanks, trees, branches all mangled and strewn across fields, forests, and other properties. Hundreds of cars, semi trucks, and equipment flattened, torn apart, and wrapped around trees. Bridges across the region that should have held were demolished by the debris buildup and hydraulic pressure from 30' feet of excess water. I sit feeling both blessed and guilty to have so little issue from this storm no more than 10 miles away. Unable to comprehend the feeling of absolute loss and a fear of what is to come for the people. To rebuild is to fear every rain event, to leave with nothing after such devastation, disheartening. There is always a glimmer of hope for those of us surrounding an event of this magnitude and scale. People inside the catastrophic area have nothing left, no utilities, no phones, no cars, no homes, no food, no consistent water, relying solely on the goodness of others and support from outside their world. At some point those people will leave to go on to the next disaster, the news cycle will move along to the election, to the next war. What is to become of the area that was so ravaged? The time to support local non profit organizations in the region is now, help them to continue the work into the future, allow them the financial foundation to rehome those in need, continue providing support to the people on the fringe. My thoughts and prayers to all affected by this storm and especially the Swannanoa area residents. https://lnkd.in/g4iH4CHX https://lnkd.in/gWJa7zpk https://bountyandsoul.org/ https://cfwnc.org/ https://lnkd.in/g2CRWGi6

☃️ Burning Truth #6: A bit of smoke and ash CAN hurt you — 2024 Holiday Calendar: 9 Burning Truths for Wildfire Safety — Imagine coming home after a wildfire has passed. The air is still hazy with smoke. Everything is covered with ash, inside and out. You’re eager to start the cleanup, and so you arm yourself with a broom and good intentions. “Just a couple quick sweeps and my porch will be clear,” you think to yourself, dragging the broom across the wooden boards, humming happily as you’re eager to get back to regular life again. But life after a wildfire rarely goes as planned, does it? The ash, stubborn as a bad houseguest, refuses to stay where you put it. One sweep stirs up a dusty rebellion, sending clouds of debris into the air. You cough a couple of times, your trusty cloth mask proving no match for the chaos, and that’s when it hits you: Cleaning up after a wildfire isn’t just a chore; it’s a health hazard in disguise. Read the rest of the calendar entry to learn more about the hidden dangers of smoke and ash. https://lnkd.in/g4WBNt2j 👉 If you liked this insight, then check out our Burning Truths series: https://lnkd.in/epECii7s (And, feel free to follow us and make a small donation to help make preparing for disaster fun and empowering 😉) #CCL #holidaycalendar #wildfire #evacuation #preparedness

A dear friend of mine, Brandi Nicole Hand, was recently interviewed about her experience surviving two of the deadliest hurricanes ever to hit the United States. She lost her home in Katrina, and her land was severely damaged in Helene. In the article, she raises her concern that people will forget about Helene survivors just as the people of New Orleans were forgotten. She explains that many people who lost their homes are living in tents, and winter temperatures will soon be an issue. I found her point about how fast our news cycles are and how people assume that things are 'back to normal' if they don't hear about an issue compelling. It begs the question: What can we do about this? How can we keep important issues at the forefront of our minds if the media moves on and no longer covers them? How can we help fellow citizens who have had the bad luck of being in the path of destruction? I talked to Brandi yesterday, told her I would be sharing her interview on LinkedIn, and asked what she thought people needed to know. Here are her words: "We need support. Asheville, like New Orleans, depends on tourism dollars, and downtown is a ghost town. Websites have been set up to make it easy for people to support Western North Carolina businesses. If you haven't completed your holiday shopping, please consider buying from a WNC artist or business. If you know someone who lives in the affected area, check on them. Let them know you care. I have one friend who texts me something silly once a day, and you wouldn't believe what a difference it makes to get that daily goofy text. My friend cares and wants to make me smile even from afar. It's little things that make such a difference. Going through a disaster of this scale makes you feel so alone. It's very isolating. If you want to help, you don't have to do something big and grand to make a difference. Any gesture of kindness right now means the world to everyone here." I've shared links below to Asheville businesses and charities that Brandi recommends. #disasterrelief #holidayshopping #media

Just one example of many of the devastations caused by Helene, for which similar stories across many states/communities (and for those impacted by previous disasters) 🙏❤️. And a story of a community (like so many) working together to help ESC other ❤️. Not a large city or major population center but equally important: Swannanoa, N.C To all the first responders and government/non-profit/other organizations helping: THANK YOU!! I also know that many of you were also impacted by the storms. To those impacted, help (I hope and expect) is there or coming soon RECOGNIZING that lives have been changed forever! And be reminded that the mental stress and needs, beyond the physical/damage challenges and needs, are real and also need help and support. For approved federal assistance go to: https://lnkd.in/edPC4VBe (hopefully you have access to electricity or online service). Also, local services available by state are included. Keeping everyone in our thoughts and prayers. https://lnkd.in/e7-XYGPZ

Getting in early. Roscan needs help. We currently lose between R 15 000 and 20 000 a month. Management , Ma Rose and Uncle Duncan receive no income nor rental for the farm from Roscan. It is funded by the income we are able to generate out of the gardens, woodwork and etc. Severely hampered since COVID and no cash flow to grow those incomes. For several months we have been appealing for followers to commit to anything between R 50 and R 300 a month. We also have virtual adoptions. Currently inky 13 of our dogs have some sponsors. And 21 people have committed to monthly support. We need atleast 300 of our friends and followers at atleast R50 per month. We are falling behind on repairs and maintenance, still have storm damage to repair and are turning dogs and people away, many of whom we should and could help. We are currently running at 50% Capacity. Yes that's 50 more animals and 10 more people who could be helped and saved. Ma Rosie s future is at risk. By the end of the first week of every month we are forced to beg. Please if you share a heart for what we do....we can do , and continue to do, and do more. But only with your help. Roscan Sanctum Standard Bank Cheq Account 10125915061 Branch Code 051001

Learn more about State Farm response to Helene, including local customer care sites, company donations to relief efforts, and how you can help. https://st8.fm/4exp8Z5