Columbus pitches in for clean water
Fundraiser provides wells in Africa to improve lives
Through much of the country, access to clean and sustainable water is not an issue. h Unfortunately, other nations aren’t so lucky. h One of the many places facing such scarcity is Zimbabwe, with countless villages lacking something essential to a country’s daily life and continued development. h Thankfully, Columbus-based Drill 4 Life has had a hand in ensuring communities throughout Zimbabwe gain access to water through the installation of wells. h The group held one of its two annual fundraising events Sunday at Highbanks Metro Park, with the aim to drill its 12th water well in the coming weeks. Head organizer and Zimbabwe-native Dionne Mccarthy said it’s an effort that wouldn’t be possible without the collective hearts that make up this country. h “The American heart is incredible,” said Mccarthy, 46, of Hilliard. “And it’s been such a blessing. h “The impact is so enormous. It’s not just the people, it’s the whole infrastructure for the villages – the vegetation, the agriculture, the animals and everything that makes the village thrive.”
“The impact is so enormous. It’s not just the people, it’s the whole infrastructure for the villages – the vegetation, the agriculture, the animals and everything that makes the village thrive.” Zimbabwe-native Dionne Mccarthy
Since the group’s finding nearly five years ago, treasurer Dean Karbler, 51, of Ashley in Delaware County, said the donations have been plentiful. With each dollar funded, Drill 4 Life has been able to ensure the sustainability of villages that would have otherwise struggled.
“It’s amazing to see some of the pictures and videos we receive from our on-site contacts,” he said. “It’s something we take for granted here in the West, and so to see the impact a simple well can have on the lives of thousands of people who will benefit from it is lifechanging.”
Long-time donor and Hilliard-resident Tomika Meredith said it’s amazing to see the support of Columbus residents. She said with initiatives such as Drill 4 Life, which are centered on benefiting communities crippled by their local economies or government, more people need to join hands in helping these places move towards self-sufficiency.
“We take a lot of things in this country for granted, so to be able to give back is amazing,” Meredith, 42, said.
“Think about how much of an impact you can have with 50 or 25 dollars. If you have it, give it.”
Knowing how much the absence of clean water looms over other neighboring countries, co-organizer Simba Maswela said the organization will expand its efforts in the years to come.
“A lot of villages don’t have clean water, it’s not just Zimbabwe,” he said. “Drill 4 Life is very grassroots. As we get more donations and loyalty from sponsors, we’re going to start expanding into different countries and look to save several lives.”
With each well costing $8,50010,000 to develop, Maswela said the group’s goal is to plant 1,000 wells in Africa by 2040, a feat that can only be done with the continued support of the people.
For more information and to make donations, visit https://www.drill4life.com/. ehopkins@dispatch.com @Earl_hopkins1