How far would you walk for water? It’s hard to believe that it’s normal for women and children to walk for hours and hours just to collect water. Did you know it takes approximately 40 billion hours a year for women or children across Africa to walk for water?1 Did you know that globally every 90 seconds a child 5 years old or younger dies from contaminated water?2 Diseases from dirty water kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. You ask yourself, really? Sadly, it’s true.
Put simply, Water for Africa drills wells, install pumps and maintain systems in order to provide a sustainable water source and reduce the health risks associated with contaminated water. Access to safe clean water has a ripple effect throughout a community, it’s just the beginning! This clean water allows children, mainly girls, to return back to school to receive an education, allowing them to have equal opportunities. Sickness and disease is reduced and the death rate, yes, the death rate is lowered! Isn’t that awesome, you can be part of saving lives!!
At this year’s City to Surf, I’ve decided to run my first half marathon to bring awareness of the plight facing African women and children. It’s simply unfair. It’s not right. I think every person on the planet deserves clean water. I deeply believe in the mission and financial integrity of Water for Africa, which is why I support them both through my own personal monthly contributions and fundraising campaigns like this one.
It is possible to bring access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to every person, but it's going to take all of us. Our response to the water crisis will define our generation, and I hope you'll join me in supporting this not for profit charity that's doing it right.
If I reach my target goal, this will transform 5 communities and schools AND impact the lives of 10,000 people!
100% of the funds raised will be used to build clean water projects for people in need, and when they’re complete, Water for Africa will upload photos and GPS coordinates on their website so we can see the exact community we helped. To find out more about what we do, please visit www.wateforafrica.com.au.
The craziest thing we can do is nothing.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible in Australia.
1 The Millennium Development Goals Report
2 UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme 2015
Photo: This lady was returning from a 34km daily walk to collect dirty water
So proud of you Em!!