On average, one in nine people do not have access to clean water, and many that do have to walk several miles to get it — often times not knowing if the water is sanitary.
With a goal of raising $15,000, Walk for Water Toledo is doing its part to increase awareness about the lack of clean drinking water worldwide.
The annual Walk for Water fundraiser will start on The University of Toledo’s Centennial Mall Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m. Participants can begin checking in at 1 p.m. for the 5K run or walk.
In addition to promoting awareness of the global lack of access to clean water, the event raises money for Clean Water for the World, an organization working to build, ship, install and maintain water purification units for people without clean water around the world.
To simulate the experience of workwomen and children in developing countries and promote solidarity, participants in the event are encouraged to carry water jugs during the race. A water carry competition will take place during the walk where participants can carry as much water as possible however they choose as long as they don’t use backpacks or wheels. Jugs will be provided at the event.
Over the past two years, the Toledo campaign has raised enough money to buy 10 water units that have been placed in communities in El Salvador, Jamaica, Haiti, Guatemala and Uganda. These units bring more than 1 million gallons of clean water to these communities each year.
Participants can solicit donations through the registration website. Once registered, participants make an account that family, friends and community members can give to by clicking on the participant’s name and pressing the donate button.
Registration is $10 for students and $15 for adults and includes a Walk for Water button.
T-shirts can be purchased for $8.
Register and donate online at http://utole.do/walkforwater2015.
