The Rotary Clubs of the Sunshine Coast and Gibsons are gearing up for an exciting and impactful event. The "Roll A Hippo for Water" virtual walk is set to kick off on World Water Day, March 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mission Point Park in Davis Bay.
This is a fundraiser and an educational journey that will bring attention to the life-changing Hippo Roller. This event aims to shed light on a simple yet revolutionary solution to water access challenges faced by impoverished communities worldwide. A quarter of the world's population is challenged with collecting water daily in their communities.
The event, spearheaded by Linda Ryan and Luke Vorstermans, a former member and past president of the Rotary Club of Gibsons, invites participants to embark on a symbolic 1,000 km journey from Sechelt/Gibsons to its destination at the Rotary International Conference in Calgary, from June 21 to 25. Each $100 donation covers one kilometre, but donate what you can because it all counts. This virtual walk represents the vast distances many people in rural communities must travel to access clean water. Through this initiative, the Rotary Clubs aim to raise funds and awareness for the distribution of Hippo Rollers to communities in need.
We will be demonstrating the Hippo Roller with high school Rotary Interact students to help spread awareness about the Walk For Water and the difference we can make together. Their involvement highlights the deep connection between our youth and this global issue.
The Hippo Roller, an ingenious invention, allows users to transport up to 90 litres of water by simply rolling it on the ground. This method is a significant improvement over the traditional approach of carrying heavy buckets on one's head, which can lead to long-term physical injuries and limit the amount of water that can be transported in a single trip.
The impact of the Hippo Roller extends far beyond just water transportation. It profoundly affects health, education, and overall quality of life in rural communities. With easier access to water, there's improved hygiene and health, reduced physical strain, and more time for education and economic activities. Remarkably, the Hippo Roller has even sparked positive cultural changes, with men in some communities now taking part in water collection duties, a task traditionally left to women and children.
The foundation's work aligns closely with Rotary International's focus on water, sanitation, and hygiene projects. By participating in this event, community members on the Sunshine Coast and beyond can directly contribute to improving lives in water-scarce regions. Each Hippo Roller funded through this initiative will help families meet their daily water needs with fewer trips and less physical strain.
Through events like the "Roll a Hippo for Water" virtual walk, the Rotary Clubs of the Sunshine Coast and Gibsons are not just raising funds; they're building bridges of understanding and compassion across continents. As participants lace up their walking shoes and log their kilometres, they'll take steps towards a world where clean water is accessible to all, one Hippo Roller at a time.
For more information check out rollahippo.org/ or come to Mission Point Park on Saturday March 22 from 11 to 3 p.m. and kick off World Water Day with us!
