Fourth Annual Running Water for Africa 5K Run and Walk Fundraiser In Milford

MILFORD – Uganda Farmers, Inc., a local 501(c)3 is seeking community support for their fourth annual Running Water for Africa 5K run and walk fundraiser in September.

The nonprofit brings water to remote villages in East Africa. It was founded in 2006 by Jane Holler & Dan Marecki after Fr. Maurice Maroney of St. Gabriel Church introduced the couple to a priest who was visiting the parish from Uganda. Fr. Maroney has hosted many priests from Africa and he continues to facilitate and encourage the projects.

“We want to raise awareness and money to continue to provide the rural areas with the precious gift of clean water,” co-founder Dan Marecki said.

So far, thousands of people in four Ugandan villages have benefited. The organization has targeted a fifth village to assist. It pays to have wells drilled, pipes laid, surveys done and solar-pumping systems installed. The residents dig trenches for the pipes that distribute water throughout the villages. It is a collaborative effort between US and Ugandan citizens. The target of the fundraising for this event is the village of Nganiko where a new medical clinic with a maternity ward will benefit immensely for the clean water.

“Water that’s fetched from streams must be boiled before drinking,” Marecki said. “Water that’s not boiled is life-threatening.” Previously, the villagers had to walk several miles, twice a day, to get water. In December 2013, Marecki and UFI co-founder Jane Holler went to Ihunga, Uganda, to commission a water project that services 7,000 people.

The event is set for Sept. 20 at Joseph A. Foran High School in Milford, which also includes a kids’ fun run. Prizes will be given to the top three finishers in each age category. Sponsors, volunteers and participants are needed. There will be music along the course and there is need for more volunteer musicians. Donations are welcome!
Letters have gone out to local pastors in an attempt to involve more churches in this event.
Dan Marecki and Jane Holler are available for speaking engagements. For more details, go to www.ugandafarmersinc.org

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Right: Holler and Marecki watch as water is fetched in 2012 from Lake George in Ihunga, Uganda, before the water project was completed.