(May 08, 2017) –
RICHMOND HILL, ON -
This weekend hundreds of runners and walkers, of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, braved the dreary weather to participate in World Vision's Global 6K for Water.
The goal of the event was to raise awareness and funds for water projects around the world. With music booming, several VIP's in the crowd and whole families gathering together, you could't help but feel the excitement in the air. This excitement was well earned, as over 30,000 children will now have access to clean water thanks to those helped make the Global 6K a success.
Participants gathered at Richmond Green Sports Centre to hear 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 how some people in developing countries gather water. When they crossed the finish line Olympian Tara Van Beilen handed out medals shaped as jerry cans for the children, and others had 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
Quotes:
"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. Each day, nearly 1,000 children under age five 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, it often prevents children from attending school and it is often dirty.
- Every $50 registration provides clean water to one person. 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.
- Over $50,000 was raised nationally
Media Resources
Photo's of the event:
Here
Caption: 30,000 children now have access to clean water thanks to participants of the Global 6K
Facebook Video of the Event:
Here
- Interview with World Vision Supporter, Pat Foto: 1:04
- Interview with Youth, Ryan Chan: 5:30
- Interview with Mayor, Dave Barrow: 6:51
- Race Start: 20:54
More Information:
Web Links:
www.worldvision6k.ca
Social Media: #6KForWater, @WorldVisionCan