Help Kids in Kenya

1.4 million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and sanitation.

Imagine what it would be like not to have access to clean drinking water. That’s the sad reality for millions across the globe. According to UNICEF, 1.4 million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and sanitation. This weekend, you can do something to help—and burn some calories, too.

On Saturday, March 19, the Second Annual Walk for Water, a 5K run or walk, will kick off at Water Works Drive. All proceeds will go toward building pipelines to bring clean water to schools in Kenya.

While this is definitely not one of the biggest races in Philly, it’s such an important one. Check out the video of last year’s walk to get a feel for the event and to hear firsthand about the situation in Kenya. (Last year’s winner was a professional runner from Kenya. He showed up just to make sure his fellow Kenyans would have access to water.)

After the walk, handmade East African crafts will be auctioned off at the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center and some of the pipes that will be used in the new pipeline will be on hand for participants to sign. The Ambassador of Kenya to the United States, H. E. Elkanah Odembo, as well as the Deputy UN Ambassador to the Kenya Mission, Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, will be in attendance.

Second Annual Walk for Water, March 19, 2011. $10-$30. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; Race begins at 9 a.m.; Register online here.