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Dip will help fund three World Vision water projects 3 · Wednesday, January 6, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Continued from page 1 standing $60,000 to finish the second of a two-year World Vision clean water project in Rwanda, but also to fund a new clean water project worth approximately $100,000 in Tanzania -- as well as a third project in Kenya. "It was quite a day! We were honestly blown away by the flow of people and support given to our event," said Trent. "The amount raised is over $230,000, which will support the Kahi (Rwanda) project started by last year's funds, as well it will start and finish a project in Kenya and start another in Tanzania," said Trent. Prolonged drought has pushed the people of Imbuko, Kenya to the brink of starvation. Herds cannot feed there and when rain does fall, it washes away topsoil leaving deep gulleys so crops cannot grow. The people are surviving on relief efforts, which is not a sustainable lifestyle. The Dip funds will help establish a reliable source of water to support agriculture and explore farming techniques suitable to the geography. In Manonga in rural Tanzania, access to clean water is almost non-existent as more than 95 per cent of families there have no choice but to use unsafe wells or draw their drinking water from polluted ponds. As a result, children suffer various waterborne diseases -- a leading cause of death among children younger than five and older youths PHOTOS BY MICHAEL IVANIN / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER COSTUMED DIPPERS: Fulvio Ciano (as a giant bunny rabbit) and Peter Wilkinson were a few of the people who wore costumes to the 25th annual Courage Brothers Polar Bear Dip in Coronation Park on New Year's Day. are often chronically ill. During the seven-month dry season, nearly half of all women and children in Manonga must walk for more than an hour to collect dirty water. Families are forced to conserve water, a practice that leaves sanitation and personal hygiene to suffer, which leads to further illness and infection. "Every year World Vision presents us with several projects that come from a huge stack. Each year we have to decide on one, which leaves the others stagnant. It is very sad to choose just one, which is why this year is so special with the amount raised," said Trent. The projects will help well over 25,000 people in Africa. "After visiting Rwanda this past summer and observing the tremendous need for clean water, and then seeing the difference in communities where donations to World Vision are at work, I am beyond ecstatic at what $230,000 will do for our brothers, sisters and friends in Africa," said Trent. "This isn't just $230,000, it represents three communities that will have fresh clean water -- clean water that will help prevent disease, keep children in school longer and provide families a better life," he said. In the 25th year of the dip, which began as a challenge by their mother Gaye, to get off the couch and do something -- or go jump in the lake -- on New Year's Day, the Courages and their mother visited Rwanda last summer. With World Vision representatives and Citytv personality Jennifer Valentyne -- who began covering the event, but grew to be a supporter, too -- the Courages travelled to Kahi, Umatara Region of Rwanda where they saw the results of their fundraising in action. See Dippers page 5 FACTORY TILE TOUCH! Let our designers and product selection take you to another place. GIVE YOUR HOME THE HEARING AID SPECIAL (Clients portion) *Some Conditions Apply * $ From 295 Elegance, Stylish, Sophisticated, or Sleek We can transform any space! We specialize in importing and distributing unique Ceramics, Porcelain, Travertine, Marble, Glass, Custom Medallions and mosiacs from Around the World. Ask about our Custom Glass Shower Doors & Floor Heating Up to 3 Year Service Warranty 60 DAY GUARANTEE: If after 60 days we have not provided you with the best hearing possible, we will give you your money back... We are an authorized clinic for DVA, WSIB, and Green Shield clients Call 905-827-7333 Tile selection made enjoyable! Factory Tile Depot For a FREE Hearing Test. Age 18+ Hopedale Hearing Clinic In Hopedale Mall, next to the CIBC 1515 Rebecca Street, Unit 38, Oakville · 905-827-7333 www.factorytiledepot.ca