When local children’s book author Christine Walker read that “one billion people lack safe, clean drinking water,” and that “a child dies every 15 seconds because of a lack of clean water and sanitation,” she knew she had to do something. Her company, MEE FAMILY, has joined with The Water Project Organization to help raise $3,000 to build a water well at a school in Sierra Leone, an African nation that is one of the poorest on the planet. The water well will directly benefit 500 students, and more than 1,000 people in the surrounding communities. It will make a lasting difference to the potential of every student’s education.
Once built, the well will be a tribute to Emily Rose Shane, the Malibu youth who was killed in April when she was hit by a vehicle on Pacific Coast Highway. It will be named Emily’s Well.
With help from the students at Juan Cabrillo Elementary School and others from the community, more than $1,110 has been raised. For more information on how to give money, go to www.firstgiving.com/helpmeebuildawell.