“There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow.”  ~Orison Swett Marden 

Last saturday morning I had the sweet privilege of volunteering my time and my photo-making skills, and spent a happy few hours with a group of strong and motivated people. They came in all ages, and they came to run. They were running to raise money to bring clean drinking water to villages in Ethiopia…for life!

Calgary Run for Water helps HOPE International (a registered Canadian charity working in Eastern Africa setting up and installing fresh water delivery systems since 1974) build a sustainable water system in the Bonke region of Southern Ethiopia.  The best part is, it only takes $35 for ONE person to drink clean water for LIFE!

1000 runners, big and small gathered in Eau Claire Market in Calgary early saturday morning to run and raise money to bring water to families on the other side of the earth. It was a beautiful thing to watch…especially all the little ones that participated.

Here are some of my favourite images of the smalls who ran that day…

When the race was over, there were plenty of happy faces! These little people had accomplished something huge…a 5km run! Some of them 10 km! Can you imagine? They ran knowing what they were bringing life to smalls just like themselves and you could see the determination on their faces as they crossed the finish line.

The morning was filled with sunshine, yummy food provided by a very generous sponsors. There were face-painters and bouncy castles, Ethiopian dancers, and some really great music!And would you have a look at this…Nearly $65,000 raised! Now that’s just plain awesome! Way to go Calgary!! And thank you once again for allowing me to be part of such an important project!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Arlee, Small Potatoes