Cathy and Michelle's Blog - Inspiring Change in the Marketplace

Local Bottles for Wells Project Raises over $20,000 in 10 Months

Building Wells in Developing Countries!

Nanaimo B.C. moms Cathy Aniceto & Michelle Bigg and the Ryan’s Well Foundation are elated with the success of the Project that has sold over 2500 high grade stainless steel bottles in less than a year with 40% of proceeds benefitting the Foundation. 

On Oct 14^th, Michelle and Cathy will present Ryan’s Well Foundation Board Member, Moyra Van Nus with a cheque for $5684 for funds raised in the past 6 months.  “I am so impressed with the world-wide interest in this Project and that even during the global economic crisis where the retail sector being hit so hard that such a significant amount of money can be raised in such a short period of time”, says Bigg. “The Project has been so well received by schools, business, organizations and individuals not just because it helps build wells but also because it is a healthy, eco-bottle that is more environmentally friendly than drinking out of plastic water bottles.”

Aniceto & Bigg Co. is a small company that worked with the Foundation to create the Project because they were committed to giving back and making a difference. They launched their business and this Project in what turned out to be some of the hardest economic times in 60 years.  “We have learned a lot and have worked extremely hard on the Project.”  Cathy says, “There have been so many rewards including being able to meet Ryan Hreljac, his family and the entire Ryan’s Well Foundation last March to present the first cheque.”

“Ryan’s Well is delighted to have the support of Aniceto & Bigg. Michelle and Cathy’s determination and creativity is making an important difference to the work of the Foundation to bring clean water to all. We are so fortunate to have such committed volunteers”, said Moyra Van Nus.

The Project will wrap up in 2010 when all bottles are gone and we want to maximize the funds going to the Foundation and ultimately to help people who don’t have the basic necessity of water.  The Foundation has now built 518 wells, up 47 wells from last year, in part due to funds raised in the Project.  “Ryan’s Well is an amazing Canadian charity, so dedicated, modest, hard working and they have great supporters,” says Michelle.  “We have thoroughly enjoyed working together and helping Ryan’s Well help others in need around the world.” 

This year, Aniceto & Bigg Co. is now offering special group discounts for those participating in the Project. To contact Michelle and Cathy for an interview, please call 1-888-739-1119 or email michelle@abcorp.ca and cathy@abcorp.ca .  Their new website (and whole new look) is http://www.abcorp.ca

About Ryan’s Well Foundation:  The Ryan’s Well Foundation has three primary goals: BUILD, EDUCATE and MOTIVATE – building water and sanitation projects in developing countries; educating students about the need for clean water and the possibility of making a difference in their world; and motivating  people, especially youth, to take action and make a positive change in our world.  Founded in 2001, Ryan’s Well is a registered Canadian charity. www.ryanswell.ca

Thousands of parents, grandparents, kids and mom’s-to-be visited the widely successful Vancouver Island Baby Fair during the weekend of Sept 26 & 27th.  Aniceto & Bigg was there – and the Identakey was the most popular item at our table with 50 new parents and grandparents investing in their family’s safety and owning an Identakey. 

We had so many positive comments, one from a Principal of a middle school who said the Identakey is a must have for all families.  A business owner of a new Victoria children’s store said that this should be a gift given to every mom/parent at baby showers.  We had a mother of 6 purchase 3 Identakeys and several other large families purchase 2 each.  They said that it is the best tool to keep their family’s vital information organized in a place that also allows it to be easily updated.  We had a grandparent of a family that was travelling to Thailand and she purchased it for them so that she could have the peace of mind to know that all their information, digital profile pictures, medical information, emergency contact information, immunization history and other essential vital information was digitally stored and could be sent instantly to authorities, or others in the event of an emergency while they were travelling. 

We would like to extend the great price we offered to those attending the baby fair and purchasing Identakeys – it is $25!    Just use promotional code 0311  in our shopping cartfor the entire month of October.  

The Identakey child identification system is the best of its kind.  The IdentaKey child id software is the ultimate in family protection. Identakey is safe, secure, an affordable.

Identakey is great as a Christmas gift and is essential for any family planning a trip.

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