On Jan. 1, 2009, about 25 men, women, and children went swimming in the chilly waters of the Pacific Ocean in San Clemente, CA, to draw attention for the need and raise money for wells that bring clean water to the people of Malawi, Africa. Our goal that day was to raise $3000 and through the pledges of more than 50 other people we raised in excess of $3200.
At 10 a.m., on Jan. 1, 2010, we will once again be at Calafia State Beach in San Clemente for the 2nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge for Clean Water in Malawi. This year we are hoping to double both the number of swimmers and the amount of money raised.
In case you are wondering what this is all about, here it is. In April 2008, a team of 12 people from San Clemente went to Malawi to do some construction and visit the children that we sponsor there through World Vision. This trip opened each of our eyes to the plight of the children there and left us wondering what more we could do.
Enter the Advent Conspiracy. Last year, a three minute internet video went viral globally that challenged each of us to make Christmas personal again. It reminded us that “Christmas was meant to change the world. It still can. Worship more. Spend less. Give more. Love all.” Every year, Americans spend about $450 billion on Christmas gifts, while for about $10 billion every person in the world could have access to clean drinking water.
This simple, short message gave us the inspiration we were looking for and the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge for Clean Water in Malawi was formed. A well providing a protected water source can transform lives from one of disease, famine and starvation to health and abundant water for crops. Based on the number of people it supports, the cost of a well in Malawi costs about $30 per person to dig and install.
The picture on the left is from our trip and shows how children around Malawi can easily collect clean water for their families to nourish their bodies and hydrate their crops. We hope you will join us in this effort by giving at this website and, if you are in the Orange County area on New Year’s Day at 10 am, come down to Calafia State Beach at the foot of Avenida Calafia in South San Clemente and take a cold swim with us.
For more information on Advent Conspiracy and to view the videos, visit: www.adventconspiracy.org or http://www.facebook.com/pages/AC-Advent-Conspiracy/133897482663?ref=ts.
For more information on the work we continue to do in Malawi, visit www.y-malawi.org or www.facebook.com/ymalawi.
God bless you and Merry Christmas!