World Vision Hopes to Rev NASCAR Fans Giving Engines for Clean Water

DENVER, Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- NASCAR fans will have the opportunity to change lives in a village across the globe this month. World Vision, the largest non-governmental provider of clean water in the developing world, is asking fans to donate $10 to provide clean water for four years to a child in the African country of Zambia. As fans give, World Vision will be closer to its fundraising goal of $15,000, which will provide clean water to everyone in the Zambian village.  Fans can donate by texting WATER to 777444.

Racing to change lives, Martin Truex Jr.'s No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet SS will be fully wrapped in World Vision colors at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway (Aug. 23) and Atlanta Motor Speedway (Aug. 31), including a special "text to give clean water" message. 

"As a driver, staying hydrated is a top priority, but I'm blessed to never have to think about finding clean water," said Truex. "Giving just $10 to provide clean water is an amazing way to change a child's life."

World Vision already delivers clean water to one new person every 30 seconds, but the global need for clean water sadly remains for hundreds of millions of people. Diseases caused by drinking dirty water kill more than 1,600 children under 5 a day – as many as malaria and AIDS combined.

World Vision already has provided clean water to more than 2.3 million people since 2011. Providing clean water is just one element of its holistic approach to community development. With programs in nearly 100 countries, including the United States, World Vision provides emergency assistance to those affected by natural disasters and civil conflict, works with communities to develop long-term solutions to poverty and advocates on behalf of the poor.

"Furniture Row Racing is partnering with World Vision because they've seen first-hand the work that we do around the globe and in the United States," said Morris Franklin, Director of Sports & Entertainment at World Vision U.S. "We're so fortunate to have their long-term support as we tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice, and share our work with NASCAR fans."

On race day at Bristol Motor Speedway, World Vision also will build disaster response hygiene kits with fans and supporters. These kits will be built in conjunction with Speedway Children Charities and distributed locally to children and families affected by disaster, homelessness or poverty. A typical kit includes hygiene items such as shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste and a comb.

To learn more about this race to provide clean water and find out more information about the World Vision/Furniture Row Racing partnership, visit worldvision.org/racing.

About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/press or on Twitter @WorldVisionNews.

About Furniture Row
The Furniture Row companies make up one of the largest family-owned specialty home furnishings and bedding retailers operating more than 330 stores in 31 states. To learn more, please visit http://www.FurnitureRow.com. Furniture Row also owns and is the primary sponsor of a NASCAR Sprint Cup team. For more information on the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing program visit http://www.FurnitureRowRacing.com

SOURCE World Vision; Furniture Row Racing