Can two young Canadian engineers make a difference in the lives of some of the poorest people in the world? If you asked Engineers Without Borders volunteers Janice Levangie and Monica Rucki, the answer would be, emphatically, yes.

These two engineers trained people in the coastal village of Usu'un, East Timor to construct solar dryers from locally available materials. Costing just $20, the new technology will cut drying time for fish and fruit from over five days to less than two. This improvement will reduce the risk of parasitic contamination during the ever-important food preservation process. Their work could mean the difference between starvation and a decent life - one step further along the path out of poverty.

This project is just one example of the work that Engineers Without Borders (EWB) volunteers are undertaking in developing communities around the world; harnessing the power of appropriate technologies and sound engineering to help tens of thousands of people on their journey out of poverty.

The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers has supported EWB in this important work since 2001. For the 3rd consecutive year, the Society made a donation to this very worthy cause on behalf of all our members and friends. A photo of the Usu'un project was featured on our holiday e-card.

Your own tax deductible financial contribution to Engineers Without Borders will go a long way toward ending poverty worldwide. Because all overseas work is undertaken by young engineers volunteering their time, over 80 cents of each dollar you donate goes directly to EWB operations.

This holiday season, make Engineers Without Borders your charity. Visit www.ewb.ca to learn more about EWB's programs and make a donation today.