Campaign for Clean Water in Africa
Margaret Trudeau, Honorary President of WaterCan
Over 4,000 children die every day from water related diseases. Providing clean water is essential for fighting poverty, diseases, deaths and empowering women.
More than one billion people have no access to clean drinking water. WaterCan is a registered Canadian charity that is dedicated to providing clean drinking water to the world’s poor. They’re presently active with several projects in Africa such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
WaterCan also promotes public education in Canada with the aim to provide clean water internationally. They have helped over one million people in 32 developing countries since 1987 and continue to be committed to campaign for more.
Safe drinking water is an important component for fighting poverty.
- Many women and children spend much of their time fetching water. Some walk as much as 6km per day. This time could be better spent on education, growing food, running a business or leisure time with their family or friends. Providing clean water for women would help get them out of poverty as well as empower them and provide better gender equality.
- Every day over 4,000 children die from water or sanitation related diseases so a safe source of water is imperative.
- Clean water is also important for combating diseases such as AIDS. People with AIDS have weakened immune systems and are more vulnerable to death from illnesses caused by unsafe water and sanitation.
Margaret Trudeau was appointed Honorary President of WaterCan in 2002. She became a supporter in 1996 and visited Uganda in 1997 and again in 2000 to help make a difference. She also contributes by assisting with numerous campaigns, providing interviews and attending speaking engagements. W5 made a documentary of her trip to Uganda in 2000 called “Margaret’s Pilgrimage.” More recently she traveled to Ethiopia to lead WaterCan’s second Study Tour with her daughter in law Sophie Grégoire, supporters and staff. The documentary from the trip to Ethiopia last fall is called “A Window Opens: Margaret and Sophie in Ethiopia” and will air on May the 12th on CTV. This trip is also featured in Hello! magazine which has already hit the stands.
Some ways that we can remind the government that clean water matters to us:
- Be a Water for Life campaign advocate by organizing a postcard writing drive for your school or community group. WaterCan will send a kit that includes the postcards and an educational video if you request it.
- Organize a WaterCan Walk for Water. You can download the pledge form from their website to collect pledges. WaterCan has a good support system in place and will provide a guide to plan your WaterCan Walk for Water event as well as offer ongoing support.
- Other ideas for fundraising include bake sales, church bazaars, garage sales, car washes, dance-a-thons, concerts, raffles, craft sales, social events and auctions.
For references and information see: WaterCan website
