Mayor Al McDonald kicks of the students at Odyssée effort to build a well in Africa by providing enough money to fund two people with fresh clean water for 10 years.
Mayor Al McDonald kicks of the students at Odyssée effort to build a well in Africa by providing enough money to fund two people with fresh clean water for 10 years.
Hoping to make a real difference in the lives of families in Sierra Leone students at Odyssée have committed to raise funds to build a well in Africa.
Taking to the streets for a 3 km walk Saturday, which represents half the distance African families must walk every day to collect water, the students officially launched their fundraising campaign.
School Prime Minister Kurt Tempelmans Plat says he has always wanted to go to Africa to help make a difference, but at the moment he doesn’t have the means or opportunity to go so spearheading this fundraiser is his contribution for the time being.
“The wells do so much more than just give water it brings the people together, they have a place to meet, clean water from one source,” he explains.
“It’s also a little boost to the economy as they hire people locally to build the wells. They hire people to maintain and evaluate the wells and how they are doing so really it’s more than just giving clean water it’s really helping out the economy and helping out the people as well.”
The students are off to a great start with $500 already in the kitty, but now they need the help of the community to reach their goal.
“We’re approaching anyone from the community, businesses, and other high schools trying to work cooperatively to collect money and raise $4,500 which will be enough to build a well in Sierra Leone, Africa.” The students have put a deadline of mid-June to raise the funds.
To make a donation contact Tempelmans Plat at [email protected] or stop by Ecole Odyssée at 480 Norman Street.
Properly maintained, a well can provide clean, safe drinking water for ten years or so before needing an overhaul or complete replacement.
