This update is very overdue, but here we go!

First off, this fundraiser has been an absolute success. Over $6k raised within the first few weeks and 37 Berkey’s have been ordered (17 distributed)!!

However, despite the resounding success, under circumstances outside of my control, the distribution of Berkey’s has been rendered to an almost full stop. Allow me to elaborate on why, in clear detail and transparency:

1. All orders were being directly placed by me, through TreeHouse Inc. (a for-profit company) with funds raised directly through this platform, and distributed by locals on the ground in Puerto Rico - from a warehouse outside of San Juan - who could ensure that they would get into the hands of people who are in the most need.

2. A few weeks ago, the Puerto Rican government instilled an ordinance that permitted me from ordering the Berkey’s directly as I was technically a representative of a for-profit company. Instead, they’ve required all orders to be placed by a non-profit with a 501c(3) status.

3. The representative from Berkey who I had been working with forwarded me to Chris, head of PureWater4Kids. I effectively “donated” the exact amount it would’ve cost for me to order 20 Berkey’s directly from the vendor. Chris would place the order, I’d set up the pickup, everything’s golden.

4. Then the government responded, saying any future orders actually had to be placed by a local non-profit.

5. So Chris traveled to Puerto Rico to distribute his very ingenious and economical, Berkey buckets (simple 5-gallon buckets fitted for Berkey Element Filters) along with other Berkey Purifiers that he had acquired. In the process, Chris got in touch with a well-established church in Arecibo that would be able to place the order that I had initially tried to place through him.

6. In the midst of us trying to regroup our resources and finally get back to distributing more Purifiers, the government stated all future orders have to be a minimum of $10,000 from a local non-profit in order to remain tax-exempt and distributable from the warehouse outside of San Juan. This is when I stopped actively campaigning for more funds until I could figure out a way to continue this fundraiser in the most direct fashion, where you all can see exactly where your donations are being allocated and in a timely manner. The last order I’ve placed for 20 Purifiers will still go through and be distributed, but it’s unclear in what exact form this effort will take after this order

To be clear, we are definitely still accepting donations. There will just be a delay in the ordering and distribution process (as of 11/8/17).

If any of you have suggestions as to how we can move forward in a more seamless fashion, I am completely open to all ideas and advice. Feel free to shoot over an email to [email protected] or text/call my cell @ (908) 894-0496

Thank you for your active participation in this relief effort. I’ve been so happily surprised and almost overwhelmed at the positive collective response we have received from family, friends, and an ever-growing altruistic community of just straight up awesome individuals. My sincerest appreciation goes out to you all.

With light and love,

Edward “Lite” V. Amirault