Walking for water
In March 2008, the Zwyghuizen family marked World Water Day for the second year running by organizing a community-wide Walk for Water, raising more than $16,000.
Gathering at the stream to fetch water. |
On March 29, 2008, the Zwyghuizens gathered with 300 friends, family members and neighbors to take part in a sponsored Walk for Water. All carrying water buckets, bottles and other containers, they walked 1.2 miles to a stream and collected water to carry on their return journey.
Along with proceeds raised from a soda can recycling drive at nearby Harrington Elementary School in Holland, MI, the event raised more than $16,000 for WaterAid's work helping some of the world's poorest people gain access to safe water and sanitation.
The proceeds boost the figure of over $3,600, raised by the Zwyghuizens at the first World Water Day Walk for Water held last year.
Carrying water on the return journey. |
The Walks were initially the brainchild of Greta Zwyghuizen, aged just eight when she exclaimed in 2007: "It's not fair! We just have to go to the sink!"
Greta's desire to help girls her age in other countries, who walk miles and spend hours gathering water every day, spurred her and parents Ed and Melanie, and brothers Gabe and Christian to raise funds for WaterAid America.
The Zwyghuizen family promoted the Walk for Water event and collected sponsorship money using
their personal fundraising page for WaterAid America.
Find out how you can set up a personal fundraising page for WaterAid America.
Ed Zwyghuizen talking to school children about the dangers of dirty water.
Many people have been thanking me for raising their awareness about the lack of clean and safe water around the world. That is what I have been enjoying the most - helping others realize that for millions of people gathering water is a labor intensive, life-dependent daily task.
Ed Zwyghuizen