The Origin of the Road to Change Project

Runners appreciate the simple taste of water. We live in a country where we buy $5 coffees and vitamin water and if we ever need a drink, just have to walk to the tap or fridge.

I discovered The Water Project after joking with some of my running friends about setting up a foundation with the change I found on the road while running. I was looking for a way where there is a real need and a small amount could have a significant impact in someone’s life. For the very small price of $1, water can be provided for a year to a person in Africa

I spoke with Peter Chasse, president of The Water Project, and he told me about this project in the city of Kalimani in Kenya where a well is needed, which would cost approximately $15,000 and provide water for 4,000 people. Students from the University of Winnipeg in Canada had held a "Walk for Water" this past April and raised approximately $5,000. With our help of $5,000 and the Kalimani communities contribution (about 20%) we can make this work. Drilling could happen soon after we provide the money because the surveys and permits are now in place. I think it would be very cool to know that we have partnered with young people who started walking to make this happen and runners finished it.

My goal is for people to consider donating $10.00 or the cost of your beverages for a week. When dining out, you can order water, instead of soft drinks or that second cup of coffee or beer, and donate the money they would have spent to the water project. This way people are not digging deep in their wallet, just giving up a little (probably to the benefit of their health by drinking water) to give it away.

Several things get me excited about this project:

· It is one of the top problems in the world with over one third of the world’s population not having access to sanitation facilities

· Not to be harsh, but it just doesn’t seem right that our pets have access to water where these children don’t.

· A little bit of money goes a long way. $10 would provide water for 10 people in Africa, for a year.

· Everyone and every dollar can help. If you substitute one soft drink ($1) you can donate that to provide water.

I am running the Arkansas Traveler 100-mile race in October of 2009 and my goal is to have 500 people pledge $10 or $0.10 per mile for this project.

Thank you for your consideration.

Matthew 25:35 - For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in