There will be at least 1,500 runners involved in Run for Water events in Abbotsford this Saturday and Sunday (May 27 and 28), followed by the Run for Water in Chilliwack on Saturday, June 3.
The first event is the Trail Run for Water on Saturday morning on Sumas Mountain, while the Road Run for Water takes place at Mill Lake Park on Sunday.
All proceeds from Run for Water events will supply clean water for villages in the Amhara region of northwest Ethiopia, including the community of Jahana, a community of 4,000 residents who have never had access to clean water.
Run For Water has partnered with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and Afro Ethiopia Integrated Development (AEID).
Working closely with local community leaders, these three agencies are funding and building 15 wells in Ethiopia over the next three years.
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Specifically, three wells are planned for North Achefer (a sub-district in Amhara), and two more in each of the following: South Achefer, Dangila Zuria, West Dembia, East Dembia, Gonder Zuria, and Fogera.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with MCC and AEID,” said Dean Dahl, the new director of Run for Water. “And we are even more excited about helping to provide badly needed clean, sustainable water to the people of Amhara.”
The direct cost to drill each well is approximately $15,000. Additional costs, including project support, as well as community training and education, brings the total to approximately $20,000 per well – or $100,000 per year for three years, or a total cost of $300,000 for all projects.
Dahl said the goal is to provide over 13,000 people with clean water for the rest of their lives.
“For everyone who runs, rides, or contributes in any way to this series of events, we are so grateful, and I’m so excited to see the lives of people in Jahana, Ethiopia be changed for the better as we partner together for access to a clean and sustainable water supply,” he said.
To learn more about Run for Water and to find specific locations for the various events, visit runforwater.ca. The 10 km run in Abbotsford on Sunday starts at 9 a.m. followed by the 5 km fun run at 10 a.m.