Getting Ready to Move 4 Water
On June 7th, teams of H2O4ALL supporters will come together to make moves for safe water. This year, we’re looking forward to several fundraisers across the world, from a triathlon in Niagara to a hike in Meru County, Kenya.
As the date approaches, we’d like to look back at the successes and challenges of our first-ever Move 4 Water event. On August 10th, 2024, several teams across the world came together with a purpose to save thousands of lives around the world by promoting safe water access.
H2O4ALL cofounder Tim Muttoo led a community walk at Knotty Pines Park in Mississauga, Ontario. The Paris Paddlers, a team led by the Tetley family, kayaked 14 miles down the Grand River.Â
In Waterdown, Ontario, several volunteers came together for a water relay led by Marcia Barnes. The team made a goal to swim 4 kilometres, in honour of the thousands of children in Africa who walk 4 KM a day or more to reach a water source.Â
Several fundraisers were led by volunteers from our previous projects. Scott Noble, a longtime volunteer and a cornerstone of our ongoing Cuba initiative, made a goal to deadlift 600 pounds. A group of former DR volunteers organized a hike in Wakefield, Quebec. The team, led by former intern and DR volunteer Cale Howard, nearly doubled their fundraising goal. On the east coast, Stacey Scott led the Cape Split Climbers team to help raise funds for safe water access.Â
Our efforts in Canada were joined by Move 4 Water supporters across the world. In the United States, Sacramento resident Angela Garvie represented H2O4ALL at a triathlon at Rancho Seco Park. Meanwhile, our partners at Kyempene Life Schools in Uganda helped organize a Walk for Water along with Children Alive Ministries and St. Jude’s Church in Kibaale. Groups from our client communities at Seeta Namuganga and Kibaale Village joined in to support safe water access.
Later in September, our East Africa team took the opportunity to raise awareness of H2O4ALL’s work in Meru County, Kenya. Move 4 Water Kenya started on September 8th with a football tournament, featuring three teams from across Meru County. More than 1,500 people showed up to support their teams and raise funds for safe water access.Â
On September 14th, the East Africa team hosted a 5k walk, which attracted more than 500 participants and more than a thousand spectators. On the morning of the event, our team hosted an information session to promote local knowledge of water safety, hygiene and the need for sustainable safe water solutions across Meru County.
Move 4 Water 2024 was a breakthrough for H2O4ALL. Not only were we able to raise funds for our 2025 projects, it gave participants the chance to bring their communities together and raise awareness of the need for a sustainable solution for water scarcity.
As June 7th, we’re keeping that momentum going. Every person we can give safe water access is another person safe from deadly waterborne diseases. As we call on our friends and supporters to help us raise money through their own fundraisers, how many lives will be saved?
