The 17th edition of the Run For Water charity fundraiser returns to Abbotsford on May 26.
The event will see hundreds take on the challenge of either a five kilometre or 10 km run in and around Abbotsford’s Mill Lake Park.
Funds from the event will once again help bring fresh water to a rural Ethiopian community.
“Access to clean water isn’t just about hydration; it’s about dignity, health, and empowerment,” stated Ed Brett, the event’s general manager. “In rural Ethiopia, women and girls often bear the brunt of water collection, risking their safety and education. By providing clean water solutions, we’re not just quenching thirst; we’re unlocking potential.”
This year, the charity is partnering with MCC and Ethiopia-based Afro-Ethiopia Integrated Development (AEID) to drill wells and implement WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene).
Brett added that the goal for 2024 is to raise $300,000, which would fund the drilling of 15 wells.
The race course begins and ends on the Bevan Avenue side of Mill Lake Park, with participants going west and the north all the way to South Fraser Way. The course then loops down Bourquin Crescent and completes a full loop of the park. Those running 10 km will be doing two laps of the course.
The weekend begins with the Party at the Park on Saturday, May 25. The free event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature food trucks, live music and community information booths. A free outdoor movie will also air starting at 7:30 p.m.
Other upcoming events to support the initiative include: Trail Run For Water (Sumas Mountain on June 1) and the Ride For Water (Chilliwack on June 8).
“Proceeds and donations from these events help drill wells and implement WASH programs in Ethiopia,” Brett stated. “So lace up your running shoes or hop on your bike and join us in making a difference.”
For more information, visit runforwater.ca.