Above: Kevin & Leslie (our kitchen manager) in Ethiopia with Run for Water.
Not being a runner myself, I fail to understand running for pleasure. To me it’s a lung-scorching, leg-burning torture. Clearly Kevin Barata, our friend and husband to Market Kitchen Manager Leslie, and I disagree on this as Kevin loves to run….and run…and run! He’s participated in some insane endurance races, his record a jaw-dropping 231 kms! Yes, that’s in one race.
Kevin is a member of the RCMP’s elite Emergency Response Team, and I pity the criminal who thinks he’s going to outrun the police when Kevin’s on his trail. But Kevin is also a dad of three beautiful girls, and a passionate member of the Run For Water committee. A few years ago Kevin and Leslie witnessed first hand the beauty of Ethiopia on a recent Run For Water trip. But they also experienced the heartbreak of watching countless girls their own daughters’ ages being denied the opportunity of an education simply because of the hours spent having to walk to source water for their families.
Run For Water, one of Canada’s most successful community fundraisers, has had to postpone this year’s May race. But the Barata family hasn’t let that stand in the way of their commitment to bring clean drinking water to the families of Ethiopia. They’ve simply created their own activity that combines raising money with Kevin’s love of running. On May 29, with his family’s support, Kevin is committed to run 100 miles, looping Abbotsford’s Ledgeview Trails 32 times. That’s 24 hours of non-stop, lung-scorching, leg-burning running and a total elevation gain exceeding 9,000 meters!
Please join us in supporting the Barata family and their crazy and big-hearted idea. Let’s continue to share our generous hearts with the villages in Ethiopia that Run For Water has committed to bringing fresh water and education to. They need access to clean water now more than ever.
A group of generous donors has pledged to match all donations, and 100% of the money raised will be going to support the COVID-19 response plan bringing much needed hygiene supplies and finish the two water projects in these communities.
While we realize these are uncertain times for us all, we are asking you to consider a donation to the Barata Family Alone Together Run. Lepp Farm Market has pledged $500 per lap. Your generous donations enable Run For Water to continue empowering families and communities in Ethiopia by providing clean drinking water and building schools.
As well, you may want to consider doing your own Alone Together Run with your family and not miss out on this much-loved May tradition of Run For Water. Don’t worry, you don’t have to run as far as Kevin does!
While the disruption of Covid-19 has drastically altered all of our lives, we continue to enjoy clean, healthy water and the privilege of educating our children. But many in the world do not experience these countless benefits we take for granted. Even during our own uncertainties, we ask you to continue supporting the legacy Abbotsford’s Run For Water has established by empowering and partnering with the communities in Ethiopia.
