Registration open for September’s Walk For Water after 2 years of virtual events,
From staff reports
An event that promotes awareness of the global water crisis and raises money to provide sustainable, safe water around the world is set to return to Beaufort County next month.
After two years of being held virtually, the Beaufort County Walk for Water will take place in two locations in the county: Live Oaks Park in Port Royal and Wright Family Park in Bluffton. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17 at 9 a.m.
All money raised benefits Water Mission, a nonprofit, Christian, engineering organization based in Charleston that builds safe water solutions in developing countries and disaster areas.
“Walk for Water continued to be successful during the past two pandemic years, thanks to the
commitment of local residents, sponsors and volunteers,” said Robert Lasher, Beaufort County Walk for Water committee chair. “But we know being able to once again gather together as a community will create incredible energy for this important cause.”
Participants will be encouraged to carry a bucket of water on part of the 3-mile walk to symbolize the burden millions of women and children in developing countries carry daily to collect water that’s often contaminated. Unsafe water has dire consequences. A person dies from a water-related illness every 37 seconds somewhere in the world, according to Water Mission.
“As little as $25 can provide one person safe water for life,” Lasher said. “$500 can create latrine sanitation for a community, and just over $1,000 can build solar panels for a power source.”
Last year’s walk attracted more than 500 registered walkers and raised more than $60,000.
Organizers hope this year’s walk will attract 750 participants and raise $75,000 through registration fees, sponsorships and donations.
“We’re hoping a record number of people will help us ‘pick up the bucket’ this year,” Lasher added.
Participants can register on the Walk for Water website at walkforwater.com/beaufortco. All preregistered participants get a free T-shirt, and those registered by Aug. 13 are guaranteed their preferred size.
For more information, to register or donate, visit the website at walkforwater.com/beaufortco or
call 843-769-7395. For sponsorship information, contact Lasher at 843-906-8118 or rlasher5519@gmail.com.
Tony Kukulich is a recent transplant to the Lowcountry. A native of Wilmington, Del., he comes to The Island News from the San Francisco Bay Area where he spent seven years as a reporter and photographer for several publications. He can be reached at tony.theislandnews@gmail.com.
