Engineers Without Borders Orange County is hosting an engineering mixer

Feb. 2, 2010 - PRLog -- IRVINE, CA  -Engineers Without Borders Orange County is hosting an engineering mixer and silent auction at Landmark Steakhouse in Corona del Mar on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. The mixer seeks to raise money for their EWB-OC Kenya Footbridge project which is designing and building a bridge across the Ewaso Ng'iro River.

On the EWB-OC website you will see a villager up to his neck in muddy water as he wades across from one side of the river to the other. "The bridge is important because it allows the people of Endana to access the Segura Medical Clinic and Middle Schools year round.", said Project Lead, Clay Stevens, CEG. "Twice a year the river is inaccessible due to flooding during the rainy season which makes it impossible to pass if you are elderly, a child, or cannot swim."

EWB-OC selected this project as part of a 5-year commitment to help the people of Endana with their community needs. Building the Footbridge is just one of several planned projects for the Endana community. Technical Lead, Sean Callan, PE, who is designing the bridge says of the project, "The bridge will be able to be built in about 4 months starting this June. It will be a simplified suspended bridge designed specifically so the villagers will be able to maintain it after we are gone. We will use local labor and materials to help boost the economy and living status of the Endana and nearby areas."

This mixer is one of several planned events to raise funds for the bridge. "We are about one-third of the way through our goal", reports Fundraising and Grants coordinator, Puja Ruparel. "Our budget for the bridge is $37,000 but we have only raised $13,000 so far. We are grateful for the ERM Foundation, The Civil Works Engineers and may others donating to our effort. Wehave to raise the total amount before we return to Endana this June to build the bridge."

To visit the EWB-OC website and read more about this project, visit ewb-oc.org and click on "Kenya". To RSVP for the mixer, donate a silent auction items, or for questions, email kenya@ewb-oc.org.

About EWB-OC
EWB-OC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in disadvantaged countries worldwide. A collaboration of engineers, researchers, students, and professionals from every walk of life, we work hand-in-hand with developing communities to implement sustainable engineering projects. EWB-OC welcomes engineers and non-engineers in all fields to help us in our mission.

Media Contact: Puja Ruparel
Email: kenya@ewb-oc.org
Website: ewb-oc.org