Millions Lack Safe Water

Today, 748 million people worldwide don’t have clean water to drink.

According to the United Nations, “Water is at the core of sustainable development. Water resources, and the range of services they provide, underpin poverty reduction, economic growth and environmental sustainability. From food and energy security to human and environmental health, water contributes to improvements in social well-being and inclusive growth, affecting the livelihoods of billions.”

World Water Day is marked on March 22 every year. It is a day to celebrate water, raise awareness and make a difference for people around the world who suffer from water related issues.

Salvation Army Life-Changing Programs

The Salvation Army’s World Missions office in Toronto has been involved in emergency relief and projects for over 60 years, working alongside colleagues in the developing world to break the cycle of poverty.

Providing safe water is one way The Salvation Army in Canada is making a difference to some of the most poor and vulnerable in society.

• In Pakistan, at six Salvation Army children’s schools, close to 1,400 children are benefitting from a water purification program. Safe water will lead to better concentration and participation in the classroom.
• A Salvation Army boys’ home in south western India has a new septic tank, water tank and pump. With clean drinking water and toilet facilities, boys from poor and marginalized homes, or who are orphans, have improved health and learning potential.
• In eastern India, rainwater harvesting is benefitting close to 400 people in the village of Dilzawl. A 10,000 L capacity tank means women and children don’t have to retrieve water from an unsafe stream an hour away that is shared with animals. It also means they are less susceptible to insect bites and Malaria.

What can we do?

Everyone deserves something as simple and crucial for life as clean, safe water. According to the World Health Organization, the lack of clean water accounts for the premature death of 1.7 million people a year. But we can change that.

Trade in birthday gifts for monetary donations. Host a bake sale. Skip coffee for a week and donate what you would have spent. The ideas are endless and your support will transform lives.

For more information on The Salvation Army’s World Services, click here.