Water for LIFE Goal: $4,800.00 Achieved: $5,461.39

WATER - The Gift of LIFE

Today I saw a show about how Africa has dirty water and how people die in Africa from dirty water. I believe God wants me to help those people because they are dying. The TV show said that every 8 seconds someone dies because of dirty water. Most of the people who die are my age (5 years old) or younger.

I am supporting a friend named Shariffa who lives in Africa. I would be very sad if she died because she did not have clean water to drink. I would also be sad if any of her family died.

I am trying to raise enough money to dig one well. It will cost $4,800. Please help me build the well because I want them to have clean water and because I don't want my friend to die.

My heart,

Abigail (5 years old)
Virginia

Letter from Parents

I wanted to include a note from my husband and me to clarify Abigail’s note. Last month Abigail and I were watching a TV program called LIFE Today. At the end of the program they showed video footage of African children and families drinking dirty water from mudholes and stagnant rivers. The program stated that every 8 seconds someone dies from a water-borne illness, with an overwhelming majority being children five and younger.

Abigail was very distraught by what she saw, began to cry, and insisted that we do something to help. As an adult who sees these non-profit TV spots all the time, my first reaction was to turn the channel and go about the day. Abigail could not let it go though. She insisted that we “find money to give the children in Africa” so that they could have clean water. John and I decided it was important to help Abigail follow her heart. Abigail has spent the last month knocking on neighborhood doors and exchanging donations for freshly baked cookies. She has also been speaking to various groups such as civic organizations, neighborhoods, and churches. Abigail also started a letter writing campaign where she is solely responsible for preparing the mailings and addressing the envelopes.

John and I give the girls a roll of nickels ($2) every week. At the end of the month they can take their money and buy a toy. Abigail decided to give half her January money ($4) to her well project. In over a month she has raised over $3000.

We are very proud of Abigail for her initiative, commitment, and loving heart. If you would like to help her cause, you can contribute right here on her website. Look for the link next to her thermometer.

The goal of LIFE Outreach for 2008 is to dig 200 wells in Africa. Abigail wants to raise money to build an entire well by herself ($4800). Any help you can give with donations or raising awareness of Abigail’s project with those around you would be greatly appreciated.

If you want to periodically check on her fundraising progress, feel free to check back here often. Thanks so much for your time and consideration.

All Our Best,

John & Jamie Radtke
Proud Parents