Getting outside to walk, run and play our favorite sports is healthy and fun.
In many places around the world, however, women and children face serious risks when they go outside to walk more than three miles a day to collect water. They can encounter wild animals, difficult terrain and even dangerous strangers. Plus, collecting water steals hours away from school, church, work and time with family and friends. Even after facing these dangers and sacrificing all that time, the water they collect is often contaminated and makes them sick.
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But people like you can walk to change this reality. The Lord commands us to love our neighbors, and Water Mission’s “Walk for Water” is an opportunity to bless our global neighbors who make long journeys every day for water. A three-mile route represents the average distance people walk each day to collect water. Participants walk 1.5 miles carrying an empty bucket to the halfway point, fill it with water, and carry the full bucket for the final 1.5 miles.
Every step we take, bucket we carry, and dollar we raise during the “Walk for Water” transforms lives. We walk so others don’t have to.
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Although the flagship “Walk for Water” happens each March in North Charleston, South Carolina, “Walks” happen around the country all year long. You can visit Water Mission’s “Walk for Water” website to check the map for one near you. You can even host a “Walk for Water” in your own community!
Hosting a “Walk for Water” is simple. All it takes is four easy steps:
- Form a team.
- Set a date, route and goals.
- Spread the word.
- Walk for Water!
Plus, we’ll provide the resources you’ll need to help you plan your “Walk for Water” — including a do-it-yourself “Walk for Water” Planning Guide, social media materials, posters, templates and more. There’s even an “iSpy” flyer for younger children to get the most out of the experience.
Next time you’re outside enjoying a walk, remember the people for whom walking is a dangerous daily chore. Then, consider how you might bless them by participating in — or creating — a “Walk for Water” and head to walkforwater.com to take action.
Trisha Stucker is the director of content strategy and development at Water Mission.
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