Thirst Project works to bring clean water to those in need
Molly Hennessy-Fiske/Los Angeles Times/TNS with permission
United Auto Workers union volunteers distribute bottled water, filters and informational fliers in the Mott Park neighborhood of Flint, Mich., a city of about 100,000 whose residents have recently been advised not to drink unfiltered tap water due to lead contamination.
April 20, 2016
Hillsborough High School has many clubs that do work to create better lives for other people, but Thirst Project is one group in particular whose philanthropic work is having major impact on human lives.
“The purpose of Thirst Project is to help end the global water crisis (a shortage of clean water, or a lack of access to it, in developing regions),” Co-President Joyce Lu said.
The water crisis is a major issue across the world. According to the Thirst Project website, 663 million people lack access to clean and safe drinking water. Members of the club take the opportunity to partake in fundraisers to raise money for the issue.
“Around 1 in 10 people on Earth don’t have access to clean and safe drinking water,” Co-President Tara Wattal said. “About 1/2 of all hospital beds are occupied as a result of a water-related illness.”
The club was founded in the winter of the 2014-2015 school year, and the group was able to raise more than $1000 to help the cause. Fundraisers include selling popcorn and Raider-themed water bottles called Ripple bottles, in addition to holding fundraisers at popular restaurants such as Panera and Applebee’s.
This year, the club has plans to help a unique cause. The Thirst Project mainly helps with third world countries in dire need of clean water, but the current situation in Flint, Michigan, has brought a reason to help a city in America.
“The idea is for students to sign pledges during lunch to show their solidarity for the people of Flint,” Lu said. “For every pledge signed, local businesses will donate a certain amount of money for the cause. This money will go to the Flint Water Fund, which distributes water filters in Flint.”
English teachers Vincent Cuccaro and Michael Knapp are the advisers for the club. Madeline Vailhe acts as the club’s treasurer, Namra Khan is the secretary, Abbey Nemec is in charge of public relations, and Rebecca DelCore, Victoria Rivera, and Olivia Tobia are all officers for Thirst Project. The club meets every other Friday morning in room 224 and welcomes new members.