We are the variable of change | The 10th Annual Charleston Walk for Water
March 30, 2016
With roughly 1.8 billion people still lacking access to safe water, our supporters are choosing to be the variable of change in the global water crisis. In honor of the United Nations’ World Water Day on March 22, several Walk for Water events are taking place this spring across the country. By walking 3.5 miles to fetch dirty water and carry it in buckets, we are joining in solidarity with the plight of millions around the world, while also raising funds that provide safe water and make a difference.
For the 10th Annual Charleston Walk for Water, the day began early on March 12th. Located at a venue downtown, the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, the home of the Charleston RiverDogs baseball team, our team of volunteers began the day early, ready to accommodate thousands of walkers.
Over 300 volunteers arrived Saturday morning to serve alongside our staff including people from church youth groups, college sororities, military cadets, out-of-state supporters, and our regular headquarter volunteers. From holding signs, to guiding walkers, to manning registration, to filling up buckets with water, our volunteers made producing this event fun and seamless. We could not have done this without each of them!
The Charleston walk drew a crowd of over 4,000 with 178 teams raising a record-breaking $312,000 (and counting!). On March 5th, 133 college students gathered at Clemson University for an inaugural walk that raised $3,000. More Walk for Water events are taking place this spring in Greenville, South Carolina; Hudson Valley, New York; Loveland, Colorado; Troutman, North Carolina; and Silicon Valley, California. The miles walked and funds raised will give thousands around the world access to safe water in their community.
Walk for Water sponsor Fruit of the Loom representing with "the fruits!"
From left to right: Water Mission Founder Dr. George Greene III, Reverend Isaac J. Holt, Jr., Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, Water Mission Founder Molly Greene, Sandy Tecklenburg
Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg opens the 10th Annual Charleston Walk for Water next to wife Sandy and WCBD News 2 Chief Meteorologist Rob Fowler.
Water Mission Special Events Coordinator Kyle Whitcroft gives directions for the walk route.
The Charleston Walk for Water routed walkers through scenic and historical downtown Charleston, stopping midway to collect water at a distribution point in Hampton Park. Walkers filled up their buckets to begin the 1.75 mile trek back to the Charleston RiverDogs Stadium where they deposited the dirty water in a basin. This last stretch of the walk is where the reality of the global water crisis begins to set in for many.
"We have this nickname for our city, the Holy City. To really earn that name, we have to help our brothers and sisters in this world," opened Charleston Mayor and long-time Water Mission friend John Tecklenburg before the Walk began. "I am so proud of this city being a holy city, and I cannot think of a better example of how we live up to that phrase than what George and Molly and all the supporters have done around the world to supply safe drinking water and the message of God."
As Tecklenburg closed in his speech, "It's more than a drop in the bucket, we want to help everyone all over the world!" Because of the thousands that walked, more communities than ever before will be able to have safe water this year. Charleston, we're inspired by your support. Thank you for walking with us at our 10th Annual Walk for Water and throughout each year as we make a difference around the world. Let's continue to be the variable of change this year as we strive to provide safe water to thousands more.
Photography courtesy of Studio 1250 and Alyona Photography.
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