Walk for Water is April 21

An event Sunday will give participants a firsthand look at what it's like to to not live near a source of clean drinking water, while raising money to help those who live in such conditions everyday.

Walk for Water 2013 will be held 2pm Sunday, April 21 at the South Carolina Botanical Garden, located on the campus of Clemson University.

Walk for Water 2013 is sponsored by Clemson Area Congregations in Touch, which is partnering with Charleston-based Water Missions International. Their goal is to raise $30,000 to purchase, install and maintain a sustainable water treatment system for a Kenyan village.

At the start of the walk, walkers pick up an empty bucket, which they fill with dirty water at the half-way point of the two-mile walk. They then carry the water back to the starting point of the walk, where they empty the dirty water into the water treatment system, witnessing how the treatment system works.

Organizers say the symbolic gesture of carrying the water connects participants to those throughout the world who make treks like this every day of their lives.

Each year, 1.8 million children die as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation. This amounts to 5,000 deaths per day or one every 20 seconds. Water-related diseases are humanity's most serious public health threat, causing 90 percent of sickness in developing countries.

Walkers of all ages are invited to carry a bucket for the two-mile walk. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. Because the provided buckets are large, participants may wish to bring small buckets for children. Small buckets may be purchased and decorated by children for $2.

The cost to participate is $10 per walk plus an additional $10 if you would like a T-shirt. Children 10 and under walk free. Visit www.clemsonareawalkforwater.kintera.org/2013 to register.

Opening ceremonies for the 2013 Walk for Water begin at 2pm Sunday, April 21. Registration opens at 12:30pm for those who are not pre-registered.

If you're not able to join in on the walk, you can still take part by signing up as a virtual walker. Virtual walkers are invited to come out April 21 to support the walkers and enjoy the day's events.

In addition to the walk, the event will feature musical entertainment, activities for kids, snacks, fellowship and a greeting from Clemson Mayor J.C. Cook.

For additional information, contact event co-chair Larry Gahan at larry1937n@netscape.net or 864-654-2953.

Last year's Walk for Water raised more than $27,000 to provide clean water to a community in Haiti.