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Global Times: Dam benefits communities in Xinjiang, paving way for a secure ecological future for region

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BEIJING, Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In the past, the Yarkand River in Xinjiang would flood annually during the rainy season, causing destruction to infrastructure, submerging farmland, and engulfing homes and villages. Bubishare, a Uygur resident who grew up in a village upstream of the river, still vividly recalls the cries of helplessness from those affected by the devastating floods before the construction of the Aratax water conservation project. Thanks to the project, these nightmares are now a thing of the past for local residents.

Located in the Karakorum Mountain Valley, the Aratax water conservation project, known as the “Xinjiang’s Three Gorges” project for its grandeur and construction challenges, was constructed to control the Yarkant River. The 1,289-km-long Yarkant River in the Tarim Basin is Xinjiang’s most flood-prone river, and the towering dam can withstand the turbulent floodwaters in a reservoir with a storage capacity of 2.2 billion cubic meters. 

Today, this dam is gushing with clean water sources, stable power, and also gushing with hope for the minority groups on the desert.

In August 2023, President Xi Jinping urged firmly grasping the strategic positioning of Xinjiang in the overall national situation and better building a beautiful Xinjiang in the process of pursuing Chinese modernization, the Xinhua News Agency reported. 

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, demanded thorough, meticulous, concrete and sustained efforts to develop a beautiful Xinjiang that is united, harmonious, prosperous, and culturally advanced, with healthy ecosystems and people living and working in contentment, in the process of pursuing Chinese modernization.

The building of a beautiful Xinjiang extends from a dam to a relocated ethnic minority community. The relocation of villagers to new homes with improved living conditions, as a result of the dam project, has brought green energy, green fields, and a green dream of prosperity to the villagers.

Path to build new hope

After a challenging 6-hour journey along the rugged Tasha Ancient Road, the Global Times reporter finally laid eyes on the Aratax dam nestled in the mountainside deep within the Karakorum Mountain. Without firsthand experience of this journey, it is difficult to fathom the obstacles encountered during the entire process of researching, designing, and constructing the dam – no roads on the ground, barren mountains devoid of trees, transportation primarily by feet, and communication mainly through shouting. Accidents like overturning were frequent due to the rugged environment.

The Xinhua Hydropower Generation Co, Ltd, a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corporation, began construction on the water conservation project in 2011, with a total investment of 10.98 billion yuan ($1.5 billion). The Aratax project has played a crucial role in flood control, irrigation, and power generation. The river plain, with a population of 4 million and an irrigated area of over 6.5 million mu (433,333 hectares), is the largest irrigated area in Xinjiang and the fourth-largest in China, benefiting 2.4 million people in the region.

Zhang Yibo, a frontline employee at the developer, told the media, “Over a decade ago, this place was even more desolate and rarely visited, and our water conservancy experts achieved a remarkable feat here.” Confronted by the harsh natural surroundings, the builders traversed mountains, camped under the open sky, drank from rivers when thirsty, and rested in tents outdoor, with a firm passion for building a sustainable dam for locals.

From July 18 to August 17, 2021, the Aratax water conservancy project successfully connected four units to the grid in just one month, a rare accomplishment in the history of global hydropower development. This hydropower station significantly alleviated the power shortage in the four southern prefectures in Xinjiang. The project’s designed annual power generation is 21.86 billion kilowatt-hours, saving 883,100 tons of standard coal annually while reducing smoke and dust emissions by 175,300 tons, and enabling the residents of southern Xinjiang to access cleaner energy.

The dam’s incorporation of advanced technology, such as unmanned compaction technology using the Beidou satellite, improved digital visualization of the construction progress, and magnetic induction devices to assist in fish migration, have been notable features of its intelligent design. 

“Following the completion of this project, it has greatly supported our irrigation efforts. Economic crops like sea buckthorn and apples are now extensively cultivated in the desert, leading to significant improvements in both economic and ecological benefits,” Fan Kexing, Party secretary of Tong’an township, Kashi, Xinjiang, told the Global Times. “Previously, the area was plagued by strong winds and sandstorms, with sand and gravel striking house windows with a loud thud, but this phenomenon has now been alleviated,” Fan noted.

Path to enjoy better life

Over the last six years, the residents of the remote Karakorum Mountains in Xinjiang have experienced incredible changes. Having previously lived in the vast desert with only three mu of arable land per person a decade ago, they had to trek seven kilometers to the mountains for drinking water, which needed to be purified before consumption. Power outages lasting for days at a time were a common occurrence. However, these challenges are now a thing of the past. 

Today, the residents have an average annual income exceeding 10,000 yuan, live in beautifully decorated homes with their ethnicity characteristics, and enjoy access to closer schools, more job opportunities, and reliable water and electricity services. 

Thanks to the construction of the dam, in August 2018, 4,243 individuals from over 1,000 households in Kusilafu township, Aketao county were resettled in Tong’an township, over 100 kilometers away. This diverse community, made up of Uygurs, Kyrgyz, Tajiks, and other ethnic groups, have embraced their new beginning. 

Zhou Jingfang, an expert at the Xinhua Hydropower Generation Co who led the relocation work, still remembers the days of tirelessly conducting site surveys, clearing land, mobilizing villagers to relocate, planning and designing new sites, building resettlement houses, greening rural areas, reclaiming farmland, introducing livestock, and setting up factories, schools, clinics, and markets. 

He told the Global Times that the dedicated team members worked long hours in harsh conditions, and navigated countless checkpoints and roads in the vast desert and rugged mountains without complaint. Nowadays, the villagers are no longer facing the endless desert of despair as they did in the past.

When discussing stories of relocation, 25-year-old Bubishare said, “Our village now has schools, factories, and employment opportunities. The village has supported us to find more diverse ways to make a living.” 

“We have 20,000 acres of farmland, where we not only grow food but also operate cash crops cooperatives. This area is a seabuckthorn forest, and our village recently constructed a seabuckthorn fruit processing plant. Our seabuckthorn beer will soon hit the market. With ample water supply, we are confident in our farming endeavors.” Fan shared proudly while standing amid the seabuckthorn forest. 

In a local farmer’s backyard sheep pen, the Global Times reporter observed over 20 Dolan sheep, known as “living banks.” Zhou explained that by raising two Dolan sheep, a farmer can become prosperous within two years due to their high reproductive rate. In Tong’an, many villagers raise Dolan sheep in this manner and enjoy prosperity. 

Tong’an township has also collaborated with local businesses to establish factories, providing employment for local women to produce items made from Xinjiang cotton, such as down jackets and socks for overseas export, ensuring female workers earn at least 2,000-3,000 yuan per month. “The factory is conveniently located, allowing women to balance family responsibilities while earning an income,” Fan informed the Global Times. 

In one factory, a wall in the workshop reads, “Happiness is achieved through hard work.” These words have accurately described how local women in Xinjiang have embarked on the path to modernization through their own hands.

Along the Yarkand River, beyond the Karakorum Mountain, the villagers of Tong’an are employing their diligence and unwavering efforts to write their own happy stories in the desert. They have left behind isolation and poverty, embracing hope and prosperity within short years. In this vibrant land, a new life of perseverance and success is blossoming with vibrant hues.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202408/1318454.shtml

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-dam-benefits-communities-in-xinjiang-paving-way-for-a-secure-ecological-future-for-region-302293647.html

SOURCE Global Times

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Donors Give a Record-breaking $37 Million During Minnesota’s Annual Give to the Max Day

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The statewide giving day raised money for 6,556 Minnesota nonprofits and schools

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tens of thousands of donors from Minnesota and around the world gave more than $37 million to 6,556 organizations during Give to the Max Day yesterday, the 16th annual statewide giving event for Minnesota nonprofits and schools. This year’s giving total surpassed last year’s $34.2 million, setting a new record, previously held in 2021.

Organizers at GiveMN are delighted with the outcome, particularly in light of national trends suggesting that donations may remain flat or decline again this year. This remarkable display of generosity bolsters the resilience of nonprofits and schools across Minnesota, many of which depend on Give to the Max as their largest annual fundraiser.

Give to the Max Day 2024 drew donors both within Minnesota and around the world. Contributions and participation spanned all 87 Minnesota counties, every U.S. state, and 36 countries worldwide.

Originally conceived and launched in 2009 as a one-time campaign to raise awareness for the new GiveMN.org fundraising platform, Give to the Max Day has since evolved into Minnesota’s yearly celebration of generosity and a powerful demonstration of support for organizations throughout the state and the 11 Native nations that share the same geography. Donors have given more than $365 million to more than 10,000 organizations since the inaugural Give to the Max Day in 2009, making it one of the first and largest giving days in the nation.

“While more than $37 million raised is an incredible achievement, it’s just the beginning of the story,” said Jake Blumberg, executive director of GiveMN. “The true power of yesterday’s generosity lies in the countless lives and communities that will be transformed across Minnesota. Thanks to the support of thousands of donors, nonprofits and schools are equipped to create lasting change in our state.”

GiveMN distributed over $100,000 in prize grants to Minnesota organizations with “Golden Ticket” drawings every 15 minutes, adding a surprise element of generosity for more than 150 donors. This year, the grand prize Super-Sized Golden Ticket awarded a $10,000 bonus to Our Justice in Minneapolis.

Give to the Max Day was presented with support from sponsors at the Bush Foundation, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Initiative Foundation, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Southwest Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and West Central Initiative.

GiveMN.org is online and available year-round as a central hub for generosity in Minnesota. Donors may create a free account to set up monthly gifts, set up fundraisers for their favorite causes and download reports of their giving history. Visit GiveMN.org to learn more.

About GiveMN
GiveMN is an independent nonprofit organization working to ignite generosity and grow giving through GiveMN.org, Minnesota’s giving marketplace, and RaiseMN, a fundraising coaching and training program.    

Since 2009, more than 770,000 donors have made gifts with ease and enthusiasm through givemn.org to make a difference for causes in their communities. Through this online marketplace for generosity, and giving events like the annual Give to the Max Day, GiveMN has helped to generate more than $430 million for more than 14,000 nonprofits and schools.

RaiseMN serves Minnesota nonprofits through individualized coaching and programs to transform nonprofit fundraising. Focusing on small- to medium-sized organizations, RaiseMN builds more healthy and sustainable fundraising practices so nonprofits can continue to pursue and expand their mission in their communities.

Launched in 2009 by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, GiveMN is supported by many generous foundation and corporate partners, contributions from individual donors, and revenue from its programs.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/donors-give-a-record-breaking-37-million-during-minnesotas-annual-give-to-the-max-day-302313997.html

SOURCE GiveMN

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Bendable Labs Honored as a Winner in Responsible Technology in the Fourth Annual Anthem Awards

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Bendable Labs announced today that it has been named by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences as a bronze winner in the fourth annual Anthem Awards.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Bendable Labs announced today that it has been named by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences as a bronze winner in the fourth annual Anthem Awards.

“Technology is at its best when it’s used to connect people to people, not just people to platforms.”

The company was recognized in the “Responsible Technology – Partnership or Collaboration” category for a project in Carlsbad, California, which equipped the local public library with a digital job-readiness platform for its patrons. Goals included helping the library play a more effective role in the local workforce ecosystem, fostering economic mobility for entry-level job seekers and providing insights to successfully scale the model to other communities.

“What this project in San Diego County demonstrated is that technology is at its best when it’s used to connect people to people, not just people to platforms,” said Sarah Zaner, co-president of Bendable Labs, a social purpose corporation that designs, builds and tests solutions in the areas of lifelong learning, workforce development and job quality. “We’re grateful to all of our local partners, especially the Carlsbad Department of Innovation & Economic Development and the Carlsbad City Library, for helping us realize this vision.”

The fourth Annual Anthem Awards was the most competitive yet, with more than 2,300 entries submitted from 34 countries.

“As a startup, it’s both exciting and validating to see us being honored alongside such outstanding organizations as AARP, Samsung and the United Nations Development Programme, and UNICEF USA,” said Rick Wartzman, Bendable Labs co-president. “These are challenging times, and we’re all trying to make a difference in our own way.”

Wartzman and Zaner noted that the library-based workforce development model that was piloted in Carlsbad is now being rolled out in west Tennessee, where Ford Motor is building a $5.6 billion “mega campus” to assemble an expanded lineup of electric F-Series vehicles. Bendable Labs is partnering with the Tennessee State Library to create job-readiness pathways at 18 libraries throughout the region. Entry-level job seekers will be able to earn a library-backed microcredential, signaling that they have in-demand skills and are ready to go to work or acquire more advanced training.

About Bendable Labs

Bendable Labs aims to improve economic stability, mobility and opportunity for people across the United States Spun out of the Drucker Institute at Claremont Graduate University, we are registered in California as a social purpose corporation. For more, please visit bendablelabs.com.

About The Anthem Awards

Launched in 2021 by the Webby Awards, a program of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, the Anthem Awards honors the purpose and mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, we’re defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. The Anthem Awards honors work across seven core causes: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Education; Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment & Climate. This season’s partners include Ms. Magazine, The Female Quotient, Sustainable Brands, NationSwell, and TheFutureParty. The Awards were founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF and XQ.

Media Contact

Phalana Tiller, Bendable Labs, 1 3238960626, phalana@bendablelabs.com, https://bendablelabs.com

Twitter, LinkedIn

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/bendable-labs-honored-as-a-winner-in-responsible-technology-in-the-fourth-annual-anthem-awards-302313513.html

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PetSafe® Unleashes Early Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals – Big Savings on Must-Have Pet Essentials!

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Exclusive Discounts on GPS Tracking, Automatic Litter Boxes, Cat Toys, Booster Seats, and More

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PetSafe®, a trusted leader in pet care products and solutions, is excited to announce its early Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, starting November 17th. Pet parents can now score exclusive discounts on a wide range of popular products to keep their furry companions healthy, happy, and safe this holiday season.

Among the standout deals, pet owners can save $100 on the PetSafe® Guardian® GPS + Tracking system, reducing its original price of $399.95 to just $299.95. Additionally, pet fountains, such as the Outlast model, will be available at 15% off, providing a refreshing solution for pets at an affordable price. Select ScoopFree® Litter Boxes, known for their self-cleaning technology, will feature discounts of up to $80, making them an even more appealing choice for cat owners.

Furthermore, PetSafe® is offering a range of items at 15% off, including cat doors, Busy Buddy® toys, select cat toys, and booster seats, allowing pet owners to upgrade or replace essential pet care items while enjoying fantastic savings. These deals can be found on the PetSafe® website, with additional discounts available in Costco stores for added convenience.

This early holiday shopping event presents the perfect opportunity for pet parents to stock up on high-quality products that support their pets’ well-being, comfort, and entertainment. From innovative GPS tracking solutions to interactive toys, PetSafe® offers something for every pet this season.

For more information on PetSafe’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, visit PetSafe.com or follow PetSafe® on social media for the latest updates.

About PetSafe®
PetSafe® is the flagship retail brand of PetSafe Brands™, the world’s leading cat and dog products supplier. As a family of consumer brands that also includes Invisible Fence Brand®, SportDOG®, Kurgo® and Premier Pet®, PetSafe Brands™ is dedicated to unleashing joy for pet families everywhere by keeping pets healthy, safe and happy for a lifetime.

Contact:
Janna Chollet
917-826-8511
JChollet@PetSafe.net

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petsafe-unleashes-early-black-friday–cyber-monday-deals–big-savings-on-must-have-pet-essentials-302313706.html

SOURCE PetSafe®

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