World Water Day Celebration and Benefit

Posted on by Abigail Griffin
PROVIDING SAFE WATER: “Water resources, and the range of services they provide, underpin poverty reduction, economic growth and environmental sustainability. From food and energy security to human and environmental health, water contributes to improvements in social well-being and inclusive growth, affecting the livelihoods of billions,” says SAFE Water Now director Tracy Kahn Hawkins. This girl has access to safe water at the SAFE Water Now filter factory in Tanzania. Photo courtesy of SAFE Water Now.

WHAT: An event celebrating World Water Day and benefitting SAFE Water Now

WHEN:  Tuesday, March 22, 5-10 p.m.

WHERE: Avenue M

WHY: In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly designated March 22 as the first World Water Day. It is set aside as a day to celebrate water, to learn about water management and to make a difference for those who suffer from water-related issues. Avenue M is hosting a World Water Day celebration where patrons will have the opportunity to learn about and contribute to SAFE Water Now — a nonprofit that is dedicated to saving lives through accessible water filtration and education.

Recently awarded the Energy Globe World Award for sustainable development in water, SAFE Water Now has developed a program and a filtration product that is saving lives for $1 per person per year. Nicole Siegel of Avenue M says, “We are thrilled to host the event for World Water Day, support SAFE Water Now and promote awareness of the international water crisis.”

Tracy Kahn Hawkins, the director of SAFE Water Now, has been working for 10 years to bring safe water to the people of East Africa. An Asheville native, she combined her skills as an industrial engineer and as a hobby potter to lead the development and manufacturing of a the ceramic pot filter for filtering water. The filter cleans the microbiological pathogens from the water at a rate of 99.99 percent, lasts five years and costs only $40.

“Many people in East Africa can afford to purchase our product and do, but there is a population who needs our help, and it is our responsibility to help our global neighbor achieve the human right and dignity of having access to safe water and sanitation. Our product begins the process of breaking the cycle of poverty,” says Tracy.

The organization hopes that the event will offer an opportunity for teachers and families to connect their students and children to water while also raising funds to support the project. Donations at the event will go directly to SAFE Water Now and Avenue M will be donating 5% of all food sales to benefit the group. The goal of the evening is to fund at least 10 filters to supply safe water for a Tanzanian orphanage that cares for 80 children.

For more information visit safewaternow.org or avenuemavl.com.

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