The sun was shining and the temperature was perfect on Saturday for those who put their best feet forward in the six-kilometre Walk for Water at Gosling Creek.
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Thirty people took part in the World Vision fundraiser to help improve access to drinking water in impoverished communities across the globe,
While Saturday’s participants were there voluntarily, all over the world there are people who are forced to travel up to six kilometres a day – rain, hail or shine – to access drinking water.
Orange has gone a small way to helping alleviate that, as event organiser Sophie Fletcher said the small group had nearly raised $3500 for World Vision.
“We thought we take water for granted and we thought if we could bring water to the world that’s a pretty awesome effort,” she said.
“People can sponsor you as an individual or as a team, and that’s also asking friends and family to donate to go to World Vision, part of our registration also went to World Vision.”
Most of the participants hailed from the Orange Uniting Church congregation.
“But we also opened it up to the community and there are a few people here today who aren’t from the church and that’s fantastic to see,” Ms Fletcher said.
I couldn’t imagine carrying water for six kilometres for a shower or drinking water or something like that.
- Ryan Scetrine
She said a whole range of people were taking part – toddlers changing between their prams and their own two feet, as well as older members of the church.
Some were walking, running or riding, and a number of people donned packs to emulate the weight of carrying water.
Ryan Scetrine – who ran the whole distance – said a presentation had been given in the Uniting church and the community had rallied around the cause to donate and get involved.
“A whole story was done on it with a presentation about how people have to walk six kilometres to water each day with big containers,” he said.
“I guess it’s trying to create awareness for that, as well as us raising money to send over there so the actual travel distance becomes a lot closer than carting it six kilometres.
“It’s something we take for granted, having readily accessible water, and I couldn’t imagine carrying water for six kilometres for a shower or drinking water or something like that.”