Uncertainty has been the just about only certain thing in 2020! But for our friends in Burundi, uncertainty about the future of clean water carries a higher price, affecting not only their ability to stay healthy, but also their educational and economic opportunities.
This year, we have had to reinvent nearly every aspect of our lives, from school to work to shopping and even how we stay connected with loved ones. Our charitable giving is no exception.
Small donations have a particularly big impact with us. You may already know that 100% of donations to the Gazelle Foundation go directly to funding clean water systems. But you may not know that our cost to build them is lower than average due to our strong in-country partnerships. And our sustainable approach means that our systems last a lifetime, providing clean water and hope for communities all over Burundi.
A strange and stressful year calls for creative philanthropy, and these three outstanding Gazelle Foundation supporters have thought outside the box in order to give the gift of clean water at this time of great need. Remember when it comes to giving in 2020, no gift is too small and no idea is too bold!
For the past several years, Beth Baldwin has supported the Gazelle Foundation in many amazing ways - including hosting a Run For The Water-inspired event in her Ohio community, empowering those around her locally to reach across the globe and give clean water to those in need.
One of her “sweetest” ideas has been using her incredible baking skills to host a cookie decorating class as a Gazelle Foundation fundraiser. Many aspiring decorators sign up to learn how to achieve her beautiful designs. During these in-person classes, she teaches participants not only about the art of frosting, but also shares her passion for the mission of the Gazelle Foundation. This year, since people were unable to gather in groups, Beth came up with a way to use her passion and creativity to gift both cookies and clean water.
“COVID-19 has changed almost everything in our world, but it cannot take away the kindness and generosity of incredible people. We have always believed in the amazing work of The Gazelle Foundation. This year, we were able to provide personalized cookie decorating kits and decorated cookies to some of our awesome supporters who helped us meet (and exceed) our fundraising goal. We are so grateful for these Water Heroes and to be a very small part of the beautiful, life-saving work of The Gazelle Foundation.”
Instead of thinking of herself on her special day, Christy Barnett used her birthday this year as an opportunity to ask for water for those in need. She saw a need for support in the down time between our marquee fundraising events and used Facebook to encourage friends and family to donate to the Gazelle Foundation in honor of her birthday. Christy has been a strong supporter for many years, sharing her commitment to giving back with her young daughter. We love Christy’s example-setting use of a personal milestone to give future generations a better quality of life built on the lasting gift of clean water.
“The Gazelle Foundation has two major events a year, Spring For The Water and Run For The Water. During those events so many people are fundraising and spreading awareness around the importance of clean water. However when the event and hype ends there is a lull in awareness and foundations need a steady stream of donations. I used Facebook's social media platform to encourage my friends and family to donate to The Gazelle Foundation, which also guarantees a Facebook match (so DOUBLE the donation). My hope was that this will not only maintain awareness of the need, but increase the foundation's reach an educate those that aren't as familiar or who live outside of Austin.”
Ashley Pax Grabner loves kids. She loves them so much that she founded Ashley’s Playhouse, a childcare center in Austin, Texas, to provide a loving, safe environment for kids to learn through purposeful play. She is a long-time supporter of the Run For The Water Kids’ Corner, providing opportunities for kids to get involved in giving the gift of clean water. This year, Ashley became a member of Amazi for Burundi, our sustaining membership program. Amazi means “water” in Kirundi, a language widely spoken in Burundi. This program provides a steady investment for the Foundation and allows us to better plan for and develop new water systems.
This year has been particularly tough on small businesses like Ashley’s. For people who do have the means to give at this difficult time, sustaining memberships like Amazi for Burundi can be more budget-friendly, spreading out support over time. And since every single dollar goes directly to providing clean water systems for those that need it most, members get a monthly reminder that doing good always feels good.
“As a small business owner, I know the peace of mind that monthly memberships can bring. So, I was happy to discover that I could set up monthly recurring donations to the Gazelle Foundation. It brings me joy each month to see my donation go through and to know that I’m doing my small part to bring clean water to those in need.”
We Can’t Do It Without You
There are many ways you can fundraise and help change lives with clean water. If you would like more information about fundraising we have put together some resources to make it even easier for you to get started. Learn more.
Clean water is the gateway to improving life quality and reversing the cycle of poverty. It leads to better health, educational opportunities, safer communities, and economic investment. Our ability to complete new water projects is directly tied to your support. You can give the gift of clean water to those that need it most.