The conflict in Ukraine has left more than 6 million people struggling to access safe water. Without reliable water sources for their families, people have resorted to desperate measures, often filling buckets, gas cans and plastic bags with unsafe water from streams and waterways.
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Former Major League Baseball first baseman Adam LaRoche has been to the region and was moved by what he saw there.
“We’ve gotten to see first-hand the problems that causes — and the fear and panic that sets in when people don’t have access to safe water for themselves or their families,” LaRoche said in a social media video. “So, we’re partnering with Water Mission, who we’ve worked with for years, with a matching donation, dollar for dollar, up to $125,000.”
LaRoche’s match gift through his foundation, E3, will help twice as many men, women and children by matching every donation to Water Mission’s response in Ukraine.
Former MLB pitcher Scott Linebrink, who now works with Water Mission, recently interviewed LaRoche about sports and his faith on Sports Spectrum’s “Get in the Game” podcast.
“I’m personally grateful to Adam for his relentless efforts to serve others,” Linebrink says about LaRoche’s partnership. “His partnership with Water Mission is an example of his commitment to living out his faith. It will help bring many others on board to help us provide safe water to people in Ukraine.”
(Photo courtesy of Water Mission)
Water Mission has been on the ground serving refugees in Eastern Europe since the first days of the crisis. The organization has sent emergency water treatment equipment and water purification supplies to meet water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs in the region. Water Mission is currently one of the only nonprofits producing safe water in multiple cities in Ukraine. It is also deploying hygiene kits to keep people healthy.
Furthermore, Water Mission is partnering with local churches to address spiritual needs and bring the reassurance of God’s love to those who have experienced tremendous loss. It has printed and distributed 7,500 Bibles in Ukrainian and has provided Biblical trauma-healing resources.
“We would love your support in this partnership,” LaRoche said. “Just know that your money is going to help save a lot of lives and will be a blessing to many people over there.”
No matter how great the need, God’s love is greater. Visit watermission.org/helpua to answer the call and double your impact by supporting Water Mission’s relief efforts during Adam’s match. Your gift will bring hope amid this heartbreaking tragedy.
Trisha Stucker is the director of content strategy and development at Water Mission.
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