Updates
Jackie says, “Gilbert Tuhabonye's story of personal tragedy turned to individual triumph is just one of my motivations to become a monthly donor. Knowing that each race registration fee raises enough money to provide clean water to a resident of Burundi for life must mean that monthly donations provide that much more. Water is life. What could be easier or more rewarding than providing that every month?”
Ashley Pax Grabner loves kids. She loves them so much that she founded Ashley’s Playhouse, a childcare center in Austin, Texas, to provide a loving, safe environment for kids to learn through purposeful play. She is a long-time supporter of the Run For The Water Kids’ Corner, providing opportunities for kids to get involved in giving the gift of clean water.
A strange and stressful year calls for creative philanthropy, and these three outstanding Gazelle Foundation supporters have thought outside the box in order to give the gift of clean water at this time of great need. Remember when it comes to giving in 2020, no gift is too small and no idea is too bold!
Take a look at the 2019 Impact Report. Since 2006, the Gazelle Foundation has invested $2.1 million to transform lives in Burundi. The consistent financial support of the Gazelle Foundation community is what enables us to continue impacting thousands of lives each year through our clean water systems.
In honor of the new year and new decade, we want to share 20 facts about Burundi and the impact of clean water.
Waterborne diseases are the leading cause of death in Burundi.
Burundi has the 12th highest child mortality rate in the world.
The availability of clean water taps creates shorter, safer walking distances, especially for women and children.
Our systems reduce the average distance to clean water by nearly 4 miles (round trip, per day).
In 2010, Levis Bizindavyi, head of the health care center in the community of Rumuvu, Burundi, made a startling discovery. “Of about 100 people treated,” he said, “80 cases were caused by dirty water.” In the face of these sobering statistics, the Gazelle Foundation set to work installing clean water systems in these communities. Clean water creates a foundation for good health, which has far-reaching consequences.
Healthy children spend more time attending school, which improves their life-long earning potential.
In 2009, the St. Andrew’s school community embarked on a special project to give the gift of clean water to those who need it most. Inspired in part by their track coach, Gilbert Tuhabonye, St. Andrews students, and their families raised money for a Gazelle Foundation water system.
Ten years on, the project still provides clean water to this thriving community of 970 people and has altered the trajectory of their lives. Read more about the clean water legacy that has radically changed life for the better every single day for this community.
