Wells of Life Dedicates 2015 World Water Day Wells to Pope Francis and local USC Football Hero and Family Man, Garrett Breeland

MISSION VIEJO, Calif., March 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wells of Life, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, clean water for the people of Uganda, announced that it is sponsoring its first "World Water Day" walkathon at Santa Margarita High School, a college preparatory school in the Diocese of Orange, CA, this Sun., March 22, 2015 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The first well to be funded this day will be dedicated to Pope Francis.

Said Wells of Life Founder Nick Jordan: "Pope Francis believes, as we do, in the power to transform lives, communities, and indeed the world, one act at a time."

Wells of Life National Ambassador Anthony Kearns, who sang at the organization's annual gala and recently dedicated a well in his name to the victims of 9/11, wished the group success: "Good luck on your first World Water Day Walk. I am especially proud that the first well will be dedicated to Pope Francis, who is a strong advocate for helping the world's poor."

World Water Day Walk organizers said they plan to raise enough funds for two wells – one for Pope Francis and a second for Garrett Breeland, a beloved local hero and friend of the founders.  Garrett Breeland was a University of Southern California (USC) linebacker in the mid-1980′s and started in 1985. He was drafted by the L.A. Rams in 1986. Breeland recently died at the age of 51. He served the local community in several aspects as a coach, teacher and, for several years as the South Orange County representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Santa Margarita High School was one of the schools where he volunteered time in this ministry. 

"Garrett Breeland dedicated his time as a faithful servant of God, ministering to students in five high schools and the local community," said Jordan.  "Children face so many challenges. Garrett shared Wells of Life's vision of inspiring local communities to serve together while expanding their perspectives."

According to the United Nations, World Water Day is on the 22nd of March every year. The day was designated in 1993 by the U.N. General Assembly. More than two decades later, World Water Day is celebrated throughout the world.

Said Jordan: "World Water Day is a day to celebrate the gift of water, while realizing that many populations lack access to safe, clean water.  This affects so many other facets of life. Without safe and clean water, communities cannot thrive."

The Walk for Water event will be led by this year's six-year-old Grand Marshall, Eli Martin, also a Wells of Life Youth Ambassador. To date, the Martin family has funded five wells, with plans for an additional two wells to be funded soon.

Eli funded his well with his own money earned from doing extra chores and asking everyone he knows – grandparents, neighbors, and friends – for contributions. He said he prays every night for the children of Uganda.

Why does Eli do it?  "For children like me and my sisters, there is plenty of water. But many kids in Uganda don't have food or water.  It makes me feel good to help them," he said.

Eli said he would like to go to Uganda someday, when he's in high school, so "I can meet the kids and play sports such as soccer or baseball with them."

According to Dr. David Feldman, Professor and Chair, Department of Planning, Policy and Design, School of Social Ecology at the University of California-Irvine, "Wells of Life is not only helping Ugandan communities, it is helping American youth. We are linking young people, as well as adults and families, to a cause with a cure. Reaching one person, one village, and one community at a time can literally change the world and transform ourselves in the process."

To date, more than 130 wells have been built including the first-ever Wells of Life well to honor the victims of September 11, 2001. The well was dedicated by tenor Anthony Kearns in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and those who paid the ultimate price in defense of freedom in the aftermath.

The well, named "The Anthony Kearns 9/11 Memorial Well," is located in the Katakwi District of Uganda and is supplying water for 684 students.

Said Kearns, "This new well is a meaningful way to honor 9/11 victims while building a bridge of hope to those who lack this most basic component of life – clean, safe water."

For more information on Wells of Life or Sunday's World Water Day Walk, visit: www.wellsoflife.org or contact Nick Jordan (WOL): 855.935.5763.

Media contact Kirsten Fedewa (Kirsten Fedewa & Associates, LLC.): [email protected] or 202.365.6936.

SOURCE Wells of Life

Related Links

http://www.wellsoflife.org