Walk for Water Celebrates 9th Year of Helping People in Africa

The 9th Annual  will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 8:30 a.m. The event, which is sponsored by Wisdom Spring, Inc. and students from , ,  and Stone Bridge High schools is expected to draw in at least 700 people this year. 

Money raised during the 5 and 10K will help to bring the water of life to indigenous villages in Burkina Faso, West Africa, and other parts of the country. This year, a well is scheduled to be built in Kenya.

Tuscarora student and organizer Devon Bowles explained the importance of this event earlier this week.

“It’s about helping and giving back to others," Bowles said.

Kelsi Faley, a junior at Heritage High School added, “I don’t think people understand when you tell them that women and children have to walk miles for water. I can’t imagine being a little kid walking miles to get water, then getting to a well and finding it dry and then having to walk further," Faley said. "Water is just a basic need, and people shouldn’t have to worry about having access to it.”

This year students can receive credit towards the 90 volunteer hours that high school students must acquire. The students have received donations of food and prizes for the event. There will also be a moon bounce, face painting, music and an animal petting farm.

“Teenagers can be role models for the community and we are excited to give back, get involved and make a difference,“ Faley said.

The walk will take place at the  Equestrian Center, 41793 Tutt Lane in Leesburg. Walkers may register the day of the event. The cost is $20 adults and $10 for students.