Participants of all ages, backgrounds and abilities came out to walk 6K, and ended up providing clean water to 30,000 children.
Richmond Hill, ON (May 6, 2017) – This morning hundreds of runners and walkers braved the dreary weather to participate in the 6K for Water; an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for water projects. With music booming, several VIP's in the crowd and whole families gathering together you couldn't help but feel the excitement in the air. And the excitement was well earned as over 30,000 children will now have access to clean water, thanks to those who gave their time and resources to make the Global 6K a success.
Participants gathered at Richmond Green Sports Centre to listen to several inspiring speeches before taking off for a two-lap course. During the last leg of their race, participants were encouraged to carry a jerry can; representing what those in developing countries would have to take with them, when going to collect water. When they returned, they were greeted with medals, shaped as jerry cans for the children, being handed out by Olympian Tara Van Beilen and the opportunity to sponsor the child shown on their race bib.
With well over double the participants and funds raised from the previous year, it would be an understatement to say the event was a success. Next year is sure to be something you won't want to miss.
Attendance/Guest List:
Richmond Hill Mayor – Dave Barrow
Richmond Hill Counsellor – Castro Liu
Vaughn Counsellor – Sandra Yeung
York Region School Trustees – Billy Pang (Unionville), Allan Tam (Stoufville)
Olympic Gold Medalist – Tera Van Beilen to hand out finishing medals
Hundreds of participants from the GTA belonging to five local churches
- World War II veteran, and former Child Labourer, running with wife
- Pat Foto, Mother of the late Alex Foto, a passionate youth who initiated a Water Walk for World Vision, before the 6k became a global phenomenon
- 8 year-old boy passionate and knowledgeable about world water facts
World Vision
Quotes:
"To the Parents: Let your children run free with the things that come to their heart... It's a fire in them, and if you let that flame continue you will do what Alex always thought. It's with each individual the difference is made" – Pat Foto, mother of Alex Foto World Vision Canada Youth Ambassador
"Children normally have to skip school to get water for their families and the water they usually get is shared and contaminated with animals and the water is hard to carry" – Ryan Chan, 8 years old (6K Participant)
"We're global now. We're not in Richmond Hill, we're not in Ontario because anything that happens around the world impacts us here today" – Mayor Dave Barrow (Mayor of Richmond Hill)
Quick Facts:
- Globally more than 660 million people do not have clean water access.
o Each day, nearly 1,000 children under age 5 die from diarrhea caused by contaminated water, poor sanitation, and improper hygiene.
- 6K is the average distance women and children in the developing world walk to find water. The walk can be dangerous, prevents children from attending school and the found water is often dirty.
- Every $50 registration provides clean water to one person
o This includes the building of wells, washrooms, hand washing stations and more
- Over 25,000 participants in over 15 Countries participated in the 6K Global Walk for Water
Over 1,000 participants in Canada from Coast to Coast
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