R300+6km=💧for life

Yes, you read that right: Your once-off entry fee of R300 can bring water for life to a person in rural South Africa

ADDRESSING SOUTH AFRICA’S WATER CRISIS

Can you imagine that in 2024, people in South Africa still do not have access to clean, running water?

Women in villages across South Africa walk approximately 6km every day (that’s usually more than an hour) to collect water from open sources and rivers that are often contaminated.

They then walk home with 20-25 litres of water on their heads.

WALK FOR THE WOMEN OF SOUTH AFRICA

We’re asking the people of our global village to pledge their support and change this dire situation.

Wherever you are in the world, register for R300 to join our virtual event and walk, run or move in 2024. You'll receive a race bib closer to the time. You can either buy your own entry or gift it to someone.

One entry gives 1 person water for the rest of their life!

When we reach our target of R1.5 million, we will build a sustainable solar water system that provides clean, running water to taps throughout the Nomu Wa Haku Village in South Africa.

It doesn't matter if you're on a treadmill, in the forest, in the park, or strolling around your neighbourhood — move for 6km and join us! Why do it alone? Gift an entry to some of your friends. Simply add more than 1 ticket to your cart and we will send you further instructions.

Together, we can change this.

Are you in?

When? You can move any time, anywhere in 2024 - help us reach our target.

Where? This year, the Relate Walk for Water is completely virtual. This means that no matter where you are in the world — on your treadmill, in your neighbourhood, or with friends in a park — you can join us on the journey to move for water. Walk, run or whatever moves you.

Next Steps? There are so many different ways to be involved. This is the perfect opportunity for a team-building event with purpose, or to rally your friends around a cause. You’ll get your personalised race bib and number mailed to you closer to the time.

Contact us at support@relatewater.org to find out how your company or community can get involved.

HOW DO WE GET THE CLEAN
WATER FLOWING?

Innovation: Africa (South Africa) is our implementation partner on this mission.

They build sustainable solar-powered water systems that pump clean water into taps throughout the villages.

The process involves drilling for water, building the water tower, installing solar panels, raising a water tank, digging trenches for piping, and constructing taps throughout the village.

They create a local solar water committee for community ownership of the project and then install a real-time monitoring system to check how much water and energy is being utilised.

Relate Water is an initiative of The Relate Trust, a non-profit that raises money for charities globally and creates jobs for the underprivileged.

Our founder, Lauren Gillis, is a philanthropist and social entrepreneur with a passion for bringing clean running water to every village in South Africa.

“Relate has always been focused on creating opportunities and changing lives. The sun exists; water exists. Yet so many people are suffering.

The gift of clean, running water is HUGE. It creates employment opportunities and liberates the women and children of the village, who often bear the brunt of collecting the water.

Beyond that, it drastically reduces the extent of illness and disease caused by consuming polluted water.

I believe that lots of little steps can make a difference. R300 can bring water to 1 person for the rest of their life. Your small action has a massive impact.”

FAQs

  • Run, walk, or move at some point in 2024.

    There’s nowhere to go, no need to get up early, and nothing to dress for. Just register and walk wherever you are or wherever you want. Walk with friends or walk alone. Walk outside or at the gym.

  • Anyone. Everyone. If you can move, you can join us in our goal to raise R1.5M to bring clean, running water to the village of Nomu Wa Haka.

  • Yes! This event is the perfect opportunity for team building with a purpose. Email us at support@relatewater.org to find out more about the added benefits of signing up your team.

  • No. You can run, walk or move in any way that feels right. On your treadmill, in your neighbourhood, or with friends in a park.

    Even better? Channel your own awareness of the women who have to walk carrying heavy buckets of water on their heads.

    All you need to do is sign up, lace up, and get moving!

  • Please take a picture and post it on social media using the hashtag #RelateWater. That way we can get the whole global community together to connect with purpose.

  • This is the average distance travelled daily by women in rural villages across South Africa to retrieve water for their families. By walking this distance, we are putting ourselves in their shoes for just one day.

  • This is a virtual event, so you can run, walk or move anywhere you are. Live in Merweville? Walk there. Live in Pretoria? Run there.

    Move inside, move outside, move in the forest, move on the beach, move on the treadmill, move around your house, move around the mall.

    No matter where you are, just start moving!

  • We are helping the 4000 residents of the Nomu Wa Kaku village in Mpumalanga who still do not have access to clean running water.

  • Our goal is to bring water to every village in South Africa that does not yet have it, one village at a time.

    After we turn on the taps in the Nomu Wa Kaku village, we will find another place lacking running water and bring it to them. Lots of little steps can make a big difference.

  • Relate has been working with communities across South Africa and Africa to create employment opportunities and support various charities. Their primary mode is through the creation and sale of the Relate Bracelets, found at retailers across the country. Find a list of the initiatives they have supported here.