Annual run raises $55K for drilling water wells in Kenya
More than 200 Hatters gathered at the downtown YMCA Saturday to run for a good cause.
The day marked the eighth annual Water Run held in support of Nehemiah Construction Ministries, a group that works in northern Kenya, with funds raised through the event to drill wells.
“We are doing a race for a three, five and 10-kilometre race,” said one of the event’s co-ordinators Ava Bartsch. “All of the money raised from the run will go to Nehemiah to drill water wells in northern Kenya — and that’s why we’re running.”
The run this year raised around $55,000 according to Nehemiah founder Dave McElhinney, totaling more than $400,000 over the years.
“It’s great to see the support,” said McElhinney. “It’s been about the same size every year we’ve had it, but it’s a very good size that allows us to do a lot of good elsewhere.”
Bartsch says the people of northern Kenya appreciate the support from Nehemiah.
“The Turkana people call themselves the ‘forgotten people,’” she said. “We’re here to raise money so they don’t feel forgotten, and to get them clean water to drink.”
The group has created about 20 wells from the funds of the eight years of the Water Run, with each well supporting 600-1,000 people.
“When I first went there we went to do a building,” McEllhinney said. “It took me less than a day to realize they didn’t need more buildings, but they needed water. I saw children scooping up mud trying to drink it, I decided I wanted to help.”
For more information go to www.nehemiahconstructionministries.com/about