We have the best supporters in the world, and over the next few months, we’ll be sharing your stories of everyday people making an outsized difference around the globe through their commitment and generosity. You’ve inspired others by giving the gift of clean water. Now it’s our turn to shine the light on you.
Meet Austin Brown
Austin Brown fundraised, served as an Ambassador, and captained a team, motivating his friends and family to join together to Run For The Water. He worked hard to bring greater awareness of the Gazelle Foundation to his Houston community.
Austin got a first-hand education in the importance of clean water when his family moved to China while he was in middle school. There, he quickly noticed the limited availability of clean water, especially in rural communities in China. He formed a new appreciation for the immediate access to clean water so many of us in the United States enjoy.
When he returned to Texas to attend St. Andrew’s High School, he discovered a passion for distance running through the track coach, none other than Gazelle Foundation co-founder Gilbert Tuhabonye. He ran for Gilbert for the remainder of high school, and then went on to run in college with Gilbert’s encouragement.
“I decided to be an ambassador and to fundraise for Run For The Water to give back to those in need. Living overseas in China gave me great exposure to the differences and similarities in our cultures. One difference is the limited availability to clean water, especially in rural communities. This made me appreciate how blessed we are to have immediate access to clean water. Additionally, I wanted to thank Gilbert for changing my life in the two years I ran for him at St. Andrews through his encouragement, enthusiasm, energy, and inspiration by serving his foundation.”
These experiences reinforced Austin’s desire to give back to communities in need through his work with the Boy Scouts, his Church, the Food Bank, and various other organizations – now including Run For The Water!
Thank you, Austin. We are so grateful for your support! Learn more about Austin’s campaign here.
Become a Legend in Burundi
Want to be known in Burundi as the person who helped bring clean water to the people? Here’s how: use your own creativity to start a fundraising campaign. Ask donors to sponsor you for every mile you walk, run, or bike; post a donation link on social media for your birthday or anniversary, or collect money in a water jug similar to what Burundians carry for hours each day.
Whatever fundraising idea you choose, we’ll support you however we can!
We’ve put together some resources for you to to use during your fundraising efforts. It’s got tips for success, pictures, and surprising facts about water and Burundi.