Liz K. from NYC commemorates her first marathon by running for water [Citizen Philanthropist Spotlight]

DESERT WATER TANKS (PHASE II) — JOGAD VILL… BLOG

Liz K. from NYC commemorates her first marathon by running for water [Citizen Philanthropist Spotlight]

by Brett W. on January 19, 2011

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MEET THE CP

New York, NY

About Me: I am running the 2010 NYC marathon (it's my first marathon!!), and am commemorating the event by running for charity. I can't think of a better way to celebrate than by making sure that these families have the same access to clean drinking water as I will have when I'm done running.

For eight months each year, the families of Jogad Village brave the harsh conditions of the Kutch desert to labor as salt farmers. There, villagers confront the desert's dangers including poisonous animals and the effects of the scorching sun. However, the most pressing issue facing Jogad's migrant workers is their struggle for sufficient water. In the desert, Jogad’s villagers do not have consistent access to a safe drinking water. Families depend on the water supplied to the region by government tankards; unfortunately, these tankards cannot reach the commune of tents where Jogad’s villagers live. Instead, the community must pay for private vehicles to deliver their water. This expense represents a serious sacrifice for all of Jogad’s families, 95% of whom live below the poverty line. Even their limited water supply presents issues for Jogad’s families as they lack a means of safely storing the little they receive. Women and children are forced to journey every day between 10-15 km to gather water for their survival. When there is none available, villagers resort to drinking anything they have, contributing to health problems and a loss of productivity. This project will ensure that 50 of Jogad’s families are supplied with a 200-liter water tank with which they can safely store and distribute water. The funded tanks will be durable, light weight, and rust proof. They will not require serious maintenance and villagers will be able to easily transport them back and forth from the desert. Become the Citizen Philanthropist for this project and partner with Jogad’s salt farmers to ensure 50 families are able to safely store the water they need to meet their basic needs.

go to project page