By Julie Sand
Winona State University students, along with members of Pleasant Valley Church and Winona residents, won’t turn on faucets and fill five-gallon water buckets: they will walk to Lake Winona. On Wednesday, April 25, H2O Project: Urgent will hold their second Water Walk to raise awareness for countries that do not have any other option than to walk miles for water every day.
Led by Brandon Zieske, H2O Project, started around 2009, is an organization run through Pleasant Valley Church in Winona. Its main focus is building wells in Liberia, Africa. So far, the H2O project has built 15 wells. H2O Project has thus far worked only off of donations, and each well costs about $1,200. Now serving those 15 communities, H2O Project started as just a conversation.
Karina Biggers, senior at Winona State and main-volunteer in H2O Project, said it all started when David, from Liberia, came to Pleasant Valley Church and had a conversation with Zieske. Biggers explained that Dave noted that water is an issue in Liberia, and Zieske wanted to do something about it. Dave works in Liberia to start new churches, and Zieske supervises the H2O Project volunteers that raise awareness as well as raise money to build the new churches’ wells.
Biggers said one well supports the church as well as the community and school.
To keep their success going, H2O will continue to raise awareness through events like the Water Walk. Biggers participated her freshman year and got involved her senior year. Biggers said the event generates many questions, which leads to finding out about the organization.
“I remember seeing it: cars lined up, people asking what is going on,” said Biggers.
This year, more than 80 participants will meet at the gazebo to start the experience. All participants will be given a five-gallon bucket, provided by Culligan Water Conditioning, and walk down Huff Street to Lake Winona where they fill their buckets and walk back. The walk, about a half-mile in distance, is “such a small act” said Biggers, and it shows us what it is really like overseas in places that we can’t experience for ourselves. After the walk, a follow-up will take place in Kryzsko Commons to raise more awareness with facts, statistics, and a speaker.
H2O project is also planning for future awareness. Bigger said being a part of the Winona and Twin Cities parades are part of their plans. In addition, H2O’s plans to sell water bottles (along with their already established t-shirts and bracelets) are underway. H2O has received all positive feedback.
“They are completely thankful for what we have done for them,” said Biggers.
Not only has it been rewarding for Liberians receiving the wells, but also for Winona State volunteers.
Luke Mosiman, volunteer along with Biggers, says it is great to be a part of the team.
“It’s exciting to be apart of something bigger than just your school or even your state or country,” said Mosiman.
H2O Project graciously accepts from many constant-donors and one-time donors, no matter the amount. Students are welcomed to help, either by directly getting involved with H2O Project or donating at any time. Students who want to learn more or donate are encouraged to go to the website: www.theurgenth2oproject.com.
Contact Julia at
