ARCHIVED RACE: Water for Life 5k @ New Lenox Village Commons, New Lenox, IL, United States on 06 September 2021

VitaLife is proud to host the first annual Water For Life 5k run in New Lenox, IL. In association with Willow Creek Community Church, VitaLife will be raising money for building wells in various areas in need in South Africa. “Water is Life” is a common saying in South Africa. Parents must often choose between giving water to their children or their animals that provide food for their families. Women and girls are responsible for transporting the water. They spend 5 to 6 hours a day carrying 5-gallon buckets several miles each day taking time away from education as well as putting them in danger on these long walks to and from water sources.

Because the drinking water is often collected from polluted sources, waterborne disease is the leading cause of death in young children in Africa. These wells provide the opportunity to save lives by preventing these waterborne diseases. $8,000 pays for an entire well, 10-foot tower, 10,000-liter tank, and multiple spigots. This is enough to supply an entire community with a permanent source of clean water. A $1,000 donation purchases a 10,000-liter water tank and every $25 donation supplies a water filter for one family. With your generous donations and participation in this 5k, we hope to raise enough money to build 2 wells this year. Please join me on this quest to look beyond our own backyard and bring clean water to those in need.