ARLINGTON — Megan Edmonds knows she can’t save the world alone, but with the help of her community she can do it one thirsty child at a time.
Megan, who is a high school senior, has organized an auction today to raise money that will help bring clean water to people in a developing country.
“We are so privileged to be in this country. We don’t know what a difference fresh water makes,” Megan said.
The money will be used to build a well through a Seattle-based humanitarian organization called World Concern.
The well will most likely go to a small community in Africa, World Concern spokesperson Derek Sciba said.
Megan managed to get her community passionate about the cause: Folks and local businesses donated gift baskets, a patio heater, a handmade quilt, a massage and other things, Sciba said.
A total of about 20 items will be up for bid.
Megan hopes to raise at least $1,400, which will cover the cost of building the well and educating people in that community about how to maintain it.
“It’s good that they don’t just build a well and leave, but actually make sure people will be able to maintain it on their own,” Megan said. “It really shows ownership.”
Megan said she worked hard for six months to make this auction happen, but she wasn’t the only one
“I couldn’t do it alone, but as a community, we can do it,” she said.
The support of her family also helped Megan move toward her goal.
“We are incredibly proud and amazed at out daughter,” said Derey Edmonds, Megan’s mom. “When she takes something on, she goes for it.”
Megan decided to take on the problem of clean water about two years ago, after participating in a movement called 30-hour famine.
Together with other young people at her church, Megan gave up food for 30 hours. The 30-hour famine is a global youth movement where people fast to raise money for fighting hunger worldwide.
“It’s great to see young people making themselves more aware of the world. It makes you hopeful for the next generation,” Edmonds said.
Megan said it was an eye-opening experience.
“That was the first time I really thought about it,” she said. “We have so much, and they have so little.”
Reporter Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452 or kyefimova@herladnet.com.
Fundraiser
What: Live and silent auction to raise money to build a well for people in a developing country.
Where: Arlington Free Methodist Church at 730 E Highland Drive in Arlington.
When: Today from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
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