I’m running the global 6K for water (Will you join me?)
I was compensated by World Vision for my time in writing this post. All opinions are my own.
As a busy mom of five kids and a very active household, it can be tough to find good opportunities to serve. I’m very limited on the things I can do outside my home and it can be tough to find those opportunities that work well with a busy household during this season of life.
Several years ago, we had someone from World Vision come speak at our old Church about ways that Churches and believers could participate with their ministry in serving around the world. Jason and I were both really interested at the time, but life gets busy and we moved on.
Earlier last month however, I received an email about a really exciting event coming up in May. I mentioned the ministries name to Jason and he immediately remembered them as the “water people”. The more I dug into their ministry and thought about how I could participate, the more I was hooked!
The Global 6K for Water
Here’s why I’m so excited: On May 6, 2017 people from around the globe will walk or run 6 kilometers to support World Vision’s water initiatives to help children get access to clean water.
When I think about my own babies not having access to clean water, it makes my heart ache. I love that they focus on clean water because that’s such a staple in these communities. Access to clean water means better health and nutrition and less disease and sickness. (Plus their water initiative joins well with their other key areas of ministry: health, education, food, and economic development.)
3.7 miles is the average distance that those living in the developing world have to walk for water each day. I can’t even imagine that being the case for my family. This walk can be dangerous, and the water is often contaminated with life-threatening diseases.
By getting involved in the 6k run, we can help bring that healthy and safe drinking water much closer for these families! Here’s how you can get involved in May:
- Host a run: Work together with your church, school, community center or run club to register as a host site (it’s free!) and spread the word about how fun and easy it is to support clean water programs around the world! Whether your goal is 10 people or 100 people, World Vision will equip you with all the marketing materials, race day signage and staff support for a successful race day. Find out more here.
- Join a local run: Walk or run with other Global 6K for Water participants at a host site near you. You can find the local host sites near you here.
- Start a virtual team: Invite your friends and family all around the country to join your “team” even though you will each be walking or running from your own neighborhoods on race day. (This would be such a fun way to use your network of friends and family on Facebook to get involved!)
- Individual race: Walk or run the Global 6K for Water from your own front door – whether on a treadmill or around the neighborhood with your kids, you’ll be taking part in a global effort to support clean water! (Note: Thanks to their generous donors, the registration fee for kids (15 and under) is only $25 – a discount of 50%!)
I think our family will be doing our own individual race as we have several things going on the week of the race. But we might also look into what sites near us are hosting a race. It would be so fun to go through it together with a group!
Join Today!
You can sign up to join in the race here. The cost is $50 ($25 for kids 15 and under) and your race fee goes to supporting World Vision’s water efforts. Plus, with your registration fee, you will receive a water race t-shirt, a race bib with the photo of the child you can sponsor, and a medal in the mail.
I just got an email today in fact saying that my race materials were in the mail on the way and I got to meet Evangelyne, the girl who will be on my race bib and who I can sponsor.
I just met Evangelyne who is 13 years old and lives in India! I am running for Evangelyne at the Global 6K for Water on May 6th. These kids are real and I would love for you to join me at the 6K so that you too can help provide clean water to a child in need!
Once you sign up and get your kit, you can also engage with World Vision online and share about this incredible event with your friends! Find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.