Water For People is pleased to bring to light the many years of passionate work and active leadership that Don Hoekstra has dedicated to further Water For People’s mission. 

In addition to a strong 30+ year history in the wastewater treatment and residuals/biosolids management sector, Don has been on the Water For People – Canada Board of Directors for 6 years, serving as President for 2 of those years. 

Don’s support of Water For People began in 2005 when he became an active member and leader of the Ontario WEA Water For People Committee. In 2007, Don joined the Ride With Purpose Association as a Water Buffalo. To date, Don has participated in 10 WEF & AWWA motorcycle rides with the Buffalos. He’s also encouraged others from Canada to join the predominantly US-based herd. Don has always kept the focus on promoting Water For People through Water Buffalo activities including spending numerous hours during conferences to help run fundraising activities and soliciting sponsorships. Currently, Don is still an active member of both associations, and acts as a mentor to newer Committee members and leaders. Don has, with passion, energy and enthusiasm, touched many in the water/wastewater industry – especially those that he works with regularly to advance Water For People’s mission. 

With this nomination, we celebrate Don’s many achievements, integrity and strong leadership devoted to the global water sector.

From a fellow Water Buffalo and close friend of Don’s:

One of the first things I learned when I met Don was his passion for Water For People. Don has been in the water/wastewater industry for more years than I should say, so his knowledge is incredibly deep. But he does not take what we have here for granted. He knows and understands the struggles other countries go through to gain access to something most of us think absolutely nothing about as we turn on our taps or flush our toilets. When Don talks about Water For People you can't help but understand and believe in what he's saying because HE believes in the organization does, and believes in the Everyone Forever model. From packaging water, wastewater & hygiene education and getting the local people and governments involved all the way to making sure everything required to make things work are local and that the finished product can be run locally and is sustainable for generations. Don understands that other charities have their hearts in the right place in what they are trying to do, he just knows they aren't doing it right. It needs to last forever and that’s where Water For People comes in.

 Don is retiring this year and he has confided in me that it is his dream to go and tour one of the program countries. Don is not done "working", but being able to retire gives him more time to spend with Water For People. He has so much more to give and this is where his heart is.