Getting Hands Dirty for Clean Water

A Saskatchewan Farmer’s Take on Sweat Equity

When Ray set foot in Uganda, he was struck by the country’s natural beauty, from rolling banana groves to bustling bean plantations.

But beyond the landscape, what caught his attention was the unwavering dedication of the program participants and Ugandan Acts Team.

A lifelong farmer and long-time supporter of Acts, Ray noticed the sweat equity poured into each water project—from hand-dug trenches to hill-sculpted reservoirs.

“It wasn’t till I saw a group of 35-40 people with shovels, hoes, and rakes leveling the side of a hill for two water reservoirs, that I realized how much sweat equity is in each of these projects.”

Seeing communities come together, shovels in hand, reaffirmed his belief that clean water isn’t just a necessity; it’s a life-changing force.

Having grown up hauling water in Saskatchewan winters, Ray knows the value of accessible clean water and his experience fuels his passion for Acts’ sustainable, gravity-fed water systems.

“Clean water changes everything,” he says.

And to those considering where to give, his advice is simple: “Choose a charity with real, lasting impact. Because when you invest in water, you invest in life.”