Beaufort County Prepares for Eighth Annual Walk for Water

An estimated 1,000 walkers are expected to partake in the eighth annual Beaufort County Walk for Water, taking strides towards combating the global water crisis. The walk is scheduled to occur on September 14 at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal and September 21 at Wright Family Park in Bluffton, according to the organizers.

A Walk Towards Parched Communities

The Beaufort County Walk for Water fuels global awareness of the pressing water crisis and works towards generating funds to facilitate access to clean, safe water. The beneficiaries of the event’s success are local communities worldwide, primarily those in developing countries and disaster-stricken areas. This year’s goal sets at a record-making $100,000.

Fund Beneficiary: Water Mission

Water Mission, a nonprofit Christian engineering organization based in Charleston that develops safe water solutions, will benefit from the raised funds. The organization has marked considerable success in implementing much-needed water solutions in developing nations and regions that have suffered disasters.

In Retrospect: Previous Success

More than 700 walkers registered for participation in last year’s landmark event, managing to raise sufficient funds and dramatically impacting the lives of those in dire need worldwide. “The money the walk raises makes a life-changing difference for generations in communities around the world,” said the Committee Chair, Robert Lasher. According to Lasher’s insights, as little as $50 can secure a person’s access to safe, clean water. Interestingly, $500 aids in establishing community latrines, while just over $1,000 suffices to construct solar panels that can power a water source.

Bucket to Symbolize Burden

Consistent with past years, participants will simulate the struggle endured by millions of women and children in underdeveloped countries who haul water, often polluted, daily. They’ll do this by carrying a bucket of water for a portion of the 3-mile walk. The symbolism provides valuable insight into the plight of these individuals. Necessity forces them to collect unsafe water, which inflicts serious health consequences. Every 37 seconds, a person succumbs to a water-related illness somewhere in the world, according to data sourced from Water Mission.

Registration Details

Registration has commenced on the Walk for Water website. Charges are $25 for adults aged 18 and above, $10 for youths between 5 and 17, and free for children who are 4 and younger. By utilizing the code ‘EARLYBIRD’ on the registration site, registrants who apply by September 4 can avail of a $5 discount. All participants will receive an event T-shirt, although those seeking preferred sizes should register by August 13.

A matching gift donation kicking in up to $10,000 is currently available, providing those who register now the opportunity to double the impact of their donations.

Stay Connected

For further details regarding the event, organizers can be contacted at 843-769-7395. They are also encouraging the public to follow updates, photos, and insights on Facebook and Instagram at @BeaufortWalkforWater and Twitter using the hashtag #bftwalkforwater. Sponsorship information is available by contacting Robert Lasher at 843-906-8118 or via email at rlasher5519@gmail.com.