Kenny Lee Chilton: Walk for the Water 2013

A Legacy of Giving hosted its 2^nd annual Walk for the Water on April 27^th in partnership with the Gazelle Foundation. A Legacy of Giving was founded under the umbrella of Austin Community Foundation. Its mission is to empower children to become more engaged in empowering their community through philanthropy education.

The Gazelle Foundation was founded by Gilbert Tuhabonye to construct clean water systems in Burundi, a country where many people have to walk miles to get clean water. As of April 2013, the Gazelle Foundations has constructed nine water systems spanning more than 27 miles across the terrain of Burundi. Nearly 19,000 citizens are benefitting from these sources of fresh water. Their goal by the end of the year is to serve at least another 7,500.

The foundation has partnered up with 36 Austin area schools. These schools learn about water scarcity, philanthropy, and the idea of advocacy through STAAR-aligned curriculum. They use service learning to teach a 5-step process that students can use whether they aim to reduce poverty, examine water and environment issues, or improve education.

The kids walked away with experience as well as serious considerations.

“I was surprised to learn that most people in Burundi don’t live past 5 years old, and that fetching water is considered a kids’ task,” 7^th grade student Taylor said.

Erin McGann, a volunteer at the walk, said that the kids will have an experience for life.

“They learned about awareness, getting to meet Gilbert. I think it has left an impression on the kids,” she said.

Though the goal for the walk was to top last years fundraising achievement of $26,000, the value is beyond monetary for the children Linda Brucker, executive director of Legacy of Giving, said.

“It’s not about the money, its about empowerment,” she said.