Engle helps bring publicity to Africa's lack of clean water.
Charlie Engle, actor, athlete and producer received a humanitarian award in Toronto for raising awareness for the need for clean water in Africa. He ran across the Sahara desert for 111 days last year. A documentary was made of the run which followed Engle, Rya Zahab and Kevin Lin on their journey. Matt Damon founded H20 Africa and his media group LivePlanet produced the documentary "Running the Sahara".
Over I billion people lack safe drinking water worldwide, which leads to 6,000 children's deaths every day. Engle is on the WaterPartners International board and works to provide safe water programs in eight different countries. WaterPartners International is a non-profit organization that provides safe drinking water in developing countries.
Engle explains,” The run ignited my passion to bring safe water to Africa. But, I realize that all of the passion in the world doesn't make up for the technical skills and knowledge necessary to implement successful, sustainable water projects. That's why I'm joining WaterPartners."
Source: WaterPartners International, 2007, WaterPartners’ Charlie Engle receives Humanitarian Award at Toronto Film Festival, Kansas City, MO (September 10, 2007)
Related:
Invention for More Water in Africa
Campaign for Clean Water in Africa
