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Because Water is Life
In Celebration of Jim Gehrels' life
We are devastated to share the news of the untimely, sudden death of our Founder and President, the dearly loved Jim Gehrels. James Adrian Gehrels was a man of deep faith in God; a faith that fueled his passion to help others. He had many, many friends and colleagues in Canada and Internationally. Jim lived life to the full, despite being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa as a young man. Driven by the knowledge that he would eventually go blind, Jim directed his efforts into helping those who lacked the basic necessity of safe drinking water. Starting in the mid-1990’s, Jim dedicated his life to bringing clean water to developing countries – principally Liberia, Nigeria, Kenya and Haiti. Lifewater Canada was founded to realize this dream. Lifewater works with local people to drill and maintain wells, teach health and hygiene and most recently to help with COVID-19 protocols. This unique approach to international development required a lifetime of passionate commitment to help build capacity where the need is unimaginably great. In Jim’s time leading Lifewater Canada, he oversaw the provision of life-saving clean water to hundreds of thousands of people. Dedicated volunteers and staff will, thankfully, continue this vital work. Should you wish to make a donation in honour of the life of this great man, please click here.
Video from the funeral serviceMany people want to know "How much does it cost to build a well in Africa?" The short answer is, if you want to sponsor a well in Africa, the average cost is $5,000 CAD. The cost to build a well in Africa varies at each location depending on factors such as the nature of the soil or rock in the area, the type of rig needed to drill through that material, and the depth of the well.
For $2,000 you can help a community rebuild their abandoned, broken down drinking water well. Or for $1,500 you can help many communities repair their broken handpumps - a much better return on your investment than starting from scratch to build a well in an African or Haitian village!
We are also often asked "How long does a well in Africa last"? Every $1 you donate provides a child with safe drinking water for a year! This is based on a well lasting for 10 years before a major upgrade is required. Data coming back from our African projects indicates that wells are lasting 20 years or more before major rehabilitation work is required!
Below is a listing of the villages that can't afford the full cost of critically-needed water & hygiene services. Sponsor a safe drinking water well in one of these African or Haitian towns to bring health and hope to communities that feel like that world has passed them by. Communities of African people who feel like second class citizens in a global world. Thanks for empowering impoverished Haitian and African people by giving them a hand-up rather than a hand-out!
Featured Story and Events
In Celebration of Jim Gehrels' lifeLifewater president Jim Gehrels was suddenly taken from us. His arm of influence extended far and wide and he will be deeply missed but remembered by everyone who drinks safe water because of his passion, vision and perseverance and by his family, friends
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Take 2 minutes to Learn how $1 = Safe Water for a Year!
Every $1 you give provides a child with safe water for a year!
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