We at Akers Ellis have been truly inspired by one of our team members, Peter Conway, along with a young man named Scotty Parker and what they are doing to support Water Mission.
We’re no stranger to Scotty or Water Mission. We first learned about Scotty and his desire to help provide clean water a couple of years ago. In 2014, at the age of 10, Scotty Parker rode his bike across South Carolina to raise awareness of the global water crisis and funds to support the work of Water Mission. He raised nearly $70,000, funding two safe water projects in Honduras and one in Uganda.
At a recent real estate meeting, Peter enlightened our team with Scotty’s newest goal: to bike across the country for his thirteenth birthday. In summer 2017, Scotty will ride his bike across the country, shining the spotlight on the water crisis and raising funds that will impact the lives of thousands in need of safe water and sanitation.
So, what is Water Mission? Water Mission is a nonprofit Christian engineering organization that designs, builds, and implements safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions for people in developing countries and disaster areas. Since 2001, Water Mission has used innovative technology and engineering expertise to provide access to safe water for more than 3 million people in 52 countries.
Did you know?
- 842,000 people die every year globally due to diarrhea caused by inadequate drinking water, sanitation, and hand hygiene. That’s approximately 2,300 people per day.
- 2.4 billion people live without adequate sanitation. That’s 35% of the global population.
- Reductions in time to collect water has been found to increase school attendance.
- Every $1 invested in water and sanitation provides a $4-34 economic return.
To help support Water Misson’s efforts, Akers Ellis has sponsored corporate teams the past two years in the annual Walk for Water, a fundraising and awareness initiative of Water Mission. The Charleston Walk is Water Mission’s flagship event, and there are other walks all around the country. Funds raised are used where they are most needed to provide safe water and sanitation around the world. Charity Navigator has awarded Water Mission their top rating nine years in a row, a distinction shared by only one percent of the charities rated by the organization.
Scotty is a special kid doing incredible things for other people. From the West to East Coast, we will be rooting for Scotty, Peter, and Scotty's father in their biking journeys. Recently, the training trio completed 380 miles in 6 days through 3 states. Scotty's mother, Pam, and two younger sisters were in the support vehicle throughout the journey helping to overcome any obstacles that arose. We think Pam Parker said it best when she wrote in a recent Facebook post, “This kid is not just changing the lives of kids without clean water- he is changing mine.” Well, Mrs. Parker, we do not think you are the only one who has said this, and we certainly do not think you will be the last!
Keep on riding and inspiring and raising funds! When the time comes and you cross to the Carolina Coast in 2017, we will be there cheering you on!
Please visit Scotty’s website and Facebook page for more information and to make a donation.
Post courtesy of Kathleen DeWitt, Akers Ellis real estate agent 843.870.4958 | kathleen.dewitt@akersellis.com |