Grace’s Race
I’ve contemplated running a marathon numerous times. I run. I used to run more. I’ve run the TC10 twice and I’ve run a couple of (rather difficult) half marathons. While the accomplishment of those longer races should spur me on to even longer ones, it usually has the opposite effect. So perhaps what I’m lacking is the proper motivation. Or, rather, the proper perspective.
Grace Ngunu is running the Twin Cities Marathon this year. It’s her first marathon.
Imagine having to walk over 1/2 mile each way to get clean water… My name is Grace Ngunu and this year, I will be running my first marathon! The Twin Cities Marathon will be held on October 5, 2008. I am passionate about both running and helping others in need and I am excited about combining these two passions. Kiandutu is a slum in Kenya, East Africa that is in desperate need of clear running water.
The name Kiandutu literally means, “a place with jiggers” and the living conditions of this town reflects that difficult environment. It’s considered to be the second largest slum in Kenya and is occupied by 50,000 people. A majority of these residents have no near-by access to clean running water. Several times a day, Kiandutu residents have to walk a little over 1 kilometer to fetch water in non-sterile containers at the cost of two shillings per container. The water in the closest river many kilometers away, is severely contaminated with both humans and animal waste; and is therefore unfit for consumption. The short video below gives you a snapshot of life in Kiandutu.
I will be running the Twin Cities Marathon to raise money that will be used to pump water into a section of this slum. The water supply (tap) will be strategically located and will service 2000 people.
This will be a great relief to the many families who now send their young children to fetch water over ½ mile away several times a day in the evenings after school. This will also be a tremendous help to all the parents who also have been making the same trip to fetch water all their lives.
I urge you to join me in making a difference to these families in desperate need of clean water. It costs about $600 to generate one water source (tap). Please make a tax deductible donation of any amount-100% of your donation will go directly toward making this clean water source a reality. I believe that together we can build several water sources in Kiandutu.
Fund management will be coordinated through my local church, the Faith Christian Center in MN. You can donate through Pay-Pal here or send checks to the address below:
Faith Christian Center
7917 Sunkist Blvd
Brooklyn Park, MN 55444Please contact me via EMAIL if you have any questions or need additional information.
Thank you for joining me in this effort to provide clean water and to provide a huge positive impact to the lives of others!
Now that’s a good reason to run a marathon. More information on Grace’s Race for running water for a slum in Africa can be found at raceforwater.wordpress.com.
