World Vision Reaches 12.7 Million People with Clean Water

- On track to exceed goal of reaching 20 million people by 2020.

- On World Water Day, World Vision trying to raise $1 million to accelerate efforts towards goal.

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Mar 22, 2019, 10:47 ET

SEATTLE, March 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- World Vision is ahead of its goal of reaching 20 million people with clean water by 2020. The organization announced that in the past three years since launching this audacious goal, they have reached 12.7 million people with clean water.

6-year-old Cheru Lotuliapus celebrates the change in her community now that clean water is available just a short walk away. Her village in Kenya recently received the water access through World Vision. Credit: World Vision

"We believe that if everyone does their part the global water crisis can be solved in our lifetime and the fact that we are ahead of our aggressive goal to reach 20 million people by 2020 proves that it can be done," said Greg Allgood, Vice-President of Water for World Vision U.S. "In 2018 alone, World Vision reached four million people in the developing world with clean water, which is roughly the population of Los Angeles."

This year, World Vision reached half a million children with clean water in schools – the equivalent of three schools getting access to clean water every day. This releases a huge burden off children to fetch water every day, which means they can attend school daily without interruption.

Nearly 1,000 children die each day from diseases caused by contaminated water, but much progress is being made. World Vision currently reaches one new person with clean water every 10 seconds. The organization's ultimate goal is to reach everyone everywhere it works with clean water by 2030, which is around 50 million people.

"Ending the global water crisis is a crucial step towards ending global poverty. There is much work to be done, but we celebrate the progress that has been made as we continue to press towards our goal," said Allgood. "This progress could not be possible without new innovations and committed partners like P&G, Golf Fore Africa, Sesame Street, Clean Water Here, Grundfos, and Kohler Co. who have been inspired to raise awareness and act in a bold way to end the global water crisis."

On World Water Day, World Vision is trying to raise $1 million towards the goal to end the global water crisis. Volunteers around the country including Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis and Kansas City, Missouri will participate in a "Jerry Can Challenge" in various locations to raise awareness and funds to end the global water crisis. Anyone can join the effort by registering for the Global 6K for Water. On Saturday, May 4, 2019, people from around the globe will walk or run 6 kilometers for an extraordinary cause, uniting in the world's biggest 6K for water. Every $50 registration fee will provide life-changing clean water to one person. Register or learn more today by visiting worldvision6k.org.

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 https://www.worldvision.org/about-us/media-center or follow us on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.

SOURCE World Vision U.S.