I'm DRutter, and welcome to week 32 of Mission: Agua-Possible! We're progressing toward our goal of 1300 USD (in STEEM), for a well pump to bring water to the family farm of @EdgarGonzalez.
Background
Severe economic and political crisis over the past few years in the South American country of Venezuela intensified recently, as president Maduro doubled down on his currency manipulation, price-fixing, propagandizing citizens, and suppressing resistance. You've heard about the country's recent turmoil. But the world's media isn't showing us even half the reality!
I began to see more and more Steem users from Venezuela, and I started to hear their interesting stories - and ask questions. I discovered some dark truths about the economic and political situation there. Most shops are empty, the currency is worthless, people are hungry - the economy is at a standstill. Theft, corruption, and violence escalate as society breaks down. Millions are fleeing on foot - if they can. The harsh socialist government attempts to control/fix the economy, and blames problems on the people. Most government services (like running water) work only in certain areas - or not at all.
The people are desperate for any change and protests sometimes fill the streets for miles. Maduro announced that Venezuela will no longer accept US Dollars for oil exports, then tried to get his country's gold back from Bank of England, who refused. The Russian military has become involved, supporting Maduro. The Americans back a previously-unknown man called Guaidó. Electrical blackouts have become almost constant. It seems that violence is coming. Stability for the people appears out of reach.
Edgar
Months ago, I found the blog of Edgar (
( Edgar took risks this week, to bring back food from the ocean. )
Without government water services, and now without water from his well, Edgar and a few other families are in a tough situation. I wondered what a poor Canadian man could do to help. After using the Steem blockchain to learn about the problems, I realized that it could also be the SOLUTION!
That's when I first began Mission Agua-possible! Once we gather 1300 USD worth of Steem, I'll transfer it to Edgar, to be converted to cash to buy the pump.
Getting this pump for the farm as soon as possible is vital. Water is life!
Steem price falls again
This week, a few decent votes were received, and I contributed 6.0 Steem directly. Despite that, unfortunately, the crashing price of Steem put us further away from completion than we were last week!
Resteems help get new eyes (and upvotes) into the project, so thank you if you're able to resteem occasionally.
Much appreciation to those who upvoted last week:
Week 32
week 31 funds: 195.017 Steem
new funds:
- week 31 post payout = 0.275 SBD and 0.800 STEEM POWER = 1.6 Steem
- 6.0 Steem direct donation from @DRutter
- you can send me Steem directly and your donation will be noted here
Total funds: 202.617 Steem
x 0.365 USD/Steem = $73.95 USD (of $1300)
Current progress: 5.7%
Down from a peak progress of 7.3% a few weeks ago, and now about 5.5%, it is easy to get discouraged. After 32 weeks of posting to Steemit and being resteemed around by many, we're still having trouble pulling in a dollar per week. A pump that costs $1300 isn't going to happen soon enough, at that rate!
Do you have a grand you're not using, that could be put to completing this excellent cause? If not, can you spare 1 of your 70 free weekly upvotes, to get us a fraction closer?
Upvoting this post is appreciated so much! 100% goes to the project.
Mission Agua-Possible will help many people, and inspire other great projects. It's a group success story, playing out on the Steem blockchain. Together, we're going to dramatically improve the lives of a whole neighborhood that really needs it!
DRutter