BRIGHTON, CO — Imagine if you had to trudge nearly 6 kilometers every day to get water. Then imagine if that water was so dirty it caused diarrhea, cholera, and other life-threatening illnesses. For many people in developing countries, this is just a way of life. Yet it doesn’t have to be.

Watermill Express, which focuses on providing safe and affordable drinking water to communities in the United States, has already taken steps to help remedy the situation. “We hosted our first World Vision Global 6k last year in Edinburg, Texas, and it was a success,” says Lani Dolifka, CEO and co-founder of Watermill Express. “Over 180 participants plus several local businesses came out to join this amazing event to raise funds and awareness for those needing clean water around the world.”

For Dolifka, the Global 6K is an event that is close to her heart. In 2016, she traveled to Kenya with World Vision to experience the hardships of the vulnerable firsthand. In fact, she carried water like so many women and girls do around the world. “Carrying heavy cans of water every day is a physically and emotionally draining task” she recalls. “In some cases fetching water may take hours and often the water these women bring home is unfit for human consumption leaving the family little choice but to risk sickness and in some cases even death.”

“Although World Vision’s work is not easy, their commitment to building sustainable solutions for the poor reminds us that God’s love can overcome life’s toughest challenges.”

Dolifka’s passion for clean water carried over to the employees at Watermill Express. The staff banded together to serve as the organizers of the Global 6K, ensuring it was a fun and engaging activity for all the participants. This year, they hope to have more than 200 people from across the Rio Grande Valley entered in the event.

World Vision works in some of the hardest to reach places in the world,” notes Dolifka. “And although they are a Christian organization, they help people of all faiths and religious beliefs. Through my visits to the field, I’ve seen them care deeply about the most vulnerable—women and children. Although World Vision’s work is not easy, their commitment to building sustainable solutions for the poor reminds us that God’s love can overcome life’s toughest challenges.”

NEW YORK, NY — Children and families are at the heart of World Vision’s work in Zambia and Afghanistan. In these countries, many people struggle to survive under harsh conditions—and it’s even more difficult if you are a woman or a child. Thankfully, organizations throughout the United States have stepped up to help—including 7AM.

7AM offers a variety of stylish baby accessories that combine clever designs, quality materials, and fashion-forward fabrics. As an organization, they believe “every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment where they are celebrated, supported, and loved. “To fulfill that vision, 7AM gives back to a variety of charities with similar values—which is why World Vision was the perfect organization to partner with.

“We love the idea of being able to donate to countries we know need the help, even if we have never set foot in that country ourselves.”

It was during his time at Wheaton College more than 35 years ago that World Vision first popped up on Paul White’s radar. It got him thinking about Christians’ responsibility to share their financial resources with those less fortunate around the world, and the notion stuck with him for life.

Today, as president of Appreciation at Work™—a small firm that provides practical resources to help leaders and organizations build a healthy workplace culture—White gives back on a regular basis.

“I believe that as followers of Christ in North America, we have been blessed with many resources and are to be good stewards of them,” he says. “Those resources are not solely for our own use and enjoyment.”

White says he’s motivated to keep partnering with World Vision because of our commitment to being a responsible steward of the gifts we receive. He has been involved in our microfinance efforts to help hardworking entrepreneurs get on their feet, while also being a child sponsor and a donor responding to natural disasters.

“We are a small team (of seven) with a policy of distributing 10% of our profits to various ministries and those in need,” White explains. “Our team members get to participate in choosing which organizations we share our funds with. I’ve seen World Vision be there for needy individuals and families for decades across the world and in many situations, and I am incredibly impressed with their long-term work.

“World Vision has remained true to their vision and mission. They have always been an organization of integrity—you know that the funds you give are going to where they have identified the need, and they have been committed to keeping their overhead low so that the vast majority of your gift reaches those in need.”

White hopes any organization considering a philanthropic program will get on board as soon as possible. “Do it—and do it now!” he says. “Explore the various ways you can partner with World Vision to help those less fortunate.”

“I’ve seen World Vision be there for needy individuals and families for decades across the world and in many situations, and I am incredibly impressed with their long-term work.”