Updates
Karen Liu (MLIS) a Librarian and longtime friend of the Gazelle Foundation put together lists of books for young readers and adult readers to explore clean water. These stories are about all of us. They show that clean water is the key to life, how to find hope in despair, and how simple acts of generosity and philanthropy can transform what we believe about ourselves and others, and how we connect with each other.
The 2020 Run For The Water will be entirely virtual. The City of Austin has extended its orders to limit gatherings to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 through mid-December. While we will miss seeing you along our beautiful race course, our primary concern is keeping our participants, volunteers, staff and vendors safe.
Even though the race is virtual, your support of clean water is very, very real. Now more than ever, people in Burundi need access clean water for good hygiene as the first line of defense against COVID-19. We know that our mission of bringing together runners and supporters to challenge themselves while providing clean water is, in some ways, more important than ever. Your race registration ensures that we can continue to provide that access to the people who need it the most.
We think this will bring a smile to your face and inspire you, hear Gilbert Tuhabonye, foundation co-founder in an inspiring conversation about finding motivation, three goals to running with joy, what he teaches his children about equality and Black Lives Matter movement, and what giving water means. We think the conversation will inspire you,. Recorded for Austin Fit Magazine with Ricky Doyle.
If you’ve ever run in or watched the Run For The Water race, you’ll have certainly heard the unique sounds of the finish line. Huge drums line the street, played spiritedly in the traditional style of Burundi. The musicians, dressed colorfully in red, green, and white, drum and dance athletically in time to powerful rhythms, ushering tired finishers through the home stretch with joy.
Thank you for your support of Come Together For The Water, our first-ever virtual event. We raised $64,325 and counting! This means that two water projects are fully funded which will keep local project workers employed, and will supply people in Burundi with clean water. Access to clean water is always essential, but now more than ever it is vital for good health. Thanks to supporters like you, life will be a little bit easier for children and families in Burundi.
When: Thursday, May 14, 2020
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual! The event link will be sent to all who register. This is free to attend (via Zoom) but registration is required.
In this strange and difficult time, there are many unknowns. But one thing we know for sure: our work to provide access to clean water to the people who need it most has never been more critical. The basic preventative measures that are keeping families safe and healthy during the pandemic start with access to clean water. Imagine for a moment trying to stave off infection without access to clean water — it’s impossible, and that’s why our friends in Burundi need clean water now more than ever.
Gazelle Foundation is postponing our annual spring fundraiser to Spring 2021. The safety and well-being of our supporters, volunteers, employees, and the broader community are at the top of our minds.
We are in constant contact with crews in Burundi — the construction teams are safe, and work continues.
