I’ve been following the progress of Dr. Deb Walters, aka the “Kayaking Grandmother,” since July 2014, when she paddled off from her home in Maine and headed to Guatemala. Her intention is to raise awareness for “Safe Passage,” the organization founded by another Maine resident, the late Hanley Denning. (As you probably know, Safe Passage is the NGO that provides school support for children whose families survive by scavenging in Guatemala City’s garbage dump.)

On November 7, Dr. Deb Walters will be recognized by the United Nations as one of six “Rotary Global Women of Action.” She is the only person from North America to be so honored. In announcing the award, Rotary International President K.R. Ravindran noted Walters embodies the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” Walters, a former president of Safe Passage, said she feels “humbled.”

The Kayaking Grandmother currently is in Florida, with a little less than 1,000 miles less to paddle. Congratulations and Buen Viaje!

ShareThis