BTS: Water Connects Us All
Unexpectedly Connected
2020.
A year come and gone. A year characterized by “physical distancing” – plea after plea to stay away from others. And yet, despite the orders and lockdowns and regulations, many of us did find meaningful connections. We learned to adjust and adapt to new ways of being with others amidst distance. Perhaps it’s true after all – we don’t need to be all that physically close to feel the tug of connection.
Back in October, we introduced The Jerry Can Project – an opportunity for Canadian families to connect with their own communities in raising money to bring clean water – for life – to Ugandan families in desperate need. 18 ambassadors stepped forward to rally 110 people and, together, we raised over $21,500. Because of this great effort during a historic and really hard year, 43 families will receive access to clean, disease-free water. Now that’s a gift! We are beyond thankful for how our community gave so generously and we’re breaking ground any day now!
But that’s not the only good news.
As the year came to a close, we were surprised by an unexpected connection through the Jerry Can Project – one we’d hoped for but weren’t sure would happen. Emails, pictures, texts and more came back to us with stories of connection in surprising ways.
“My wife Karen and I joined ‘The Jerry Can Project’ this year. At the end of the initiative we received a framed photo of the family who, because of our participation, will receive clean water this year. There was something about the image and this family that left a profound impression on us. We want to know more of their story, to connect in a deeper way.
The framed photo now sits on our mantle, as a real opportunity to connect to the work – even in this time of distancing.
– Ed Brett, Jerry Can Ambassador & Board Chair
“In this time of a global pandemic, it’s never been more clear to us how privileged we are as a family; we know all of us are facing the challenges of COVID-19, but the burden is not equal. We have so much to work with, so many resources, and we believe there’s no better time to share them with others. We did our first water walk four years ago and the physical pain lugging a jerry can of water left a long lasting memory. This project is a chance for us as a family to put our resources where that physical experience left an impression on our souls.
People need clean water and we can help. It’s that simple.”
– Scott & Taryne Hagan, Jerry Can Ambassadors
From Canadian families in BC to Ugandan families in the villages of Muhaha, we have seen, and felt, the value of connection even more this past year. Despite never having met. Without knowing each other’s names. Across borders and barriers of culture and language. Through the humble acts of giving and receiving the gift of water, families have become unexpectedly connected. Separated, yet connected. No matter the distance or language, there is something about giving and receiving that truly does build connection.
How beautiful to watch how the need for, and gift of, an essential, yet precious, resource of clean water can connect us all – even – maybe especially – across physical distances, borders, cultures and boundaries! Distanced, but still together.
Let’s stay connected. Follow us on Instagram or watch our Water Connects Us All video.
