Today Save the Rain turns 17. As I look back, I am reminded of the stories we never shared, those coincidental moments that would become a value-add to our causal commitments. At the time, they seemed like a stretch to tie to the general mission, especially when the average attention span is only 8 seconds.
As we grow
Save the Rain has become so rich in the texture of how, what, and why we give. Projects like food distribution came about because one woman dared to say that even though she has no medical experience, she manages the students that faint from hunger.
Ndeataulwa
Our medical program began with a boy named Ndeataulwa, whose mother came to us because her son had throat cancer. Without a moment’s notice, we sought a donor and medical attention. We were then instructed to take them 500 kilometers from their home to a specialized hospital in Tanzania’s largest city. He was only one boy, but he exemplified why we started Save the Rain all those years ago around my mom’s dining room table. His family and so many others in his village received clean water. Today, hundreds of kids receive medical attention because of him. Even though he died two years later, he died knowing that he made a mark on the world.
If not now, when? And if not you, who?
My mom always said, “If not now, when? And if not you, who?” Our history is sprinkled with coincidental raindrops that led us to answer a greater call. Those accumulated moments culminate into puddles of service – all of which were fueled by harvesting the rain for people in need.
The story highlighted in this year’s review is an example of the extended reach each raindrop creates. We are so thankful for all of you rainmakers that help us pour down goodness in the world.
In gratitude and service,
Kelly Coleman, Save the Rain executive director
Give the gift of clean water. Donate Today 100% of public donations directly fund our projects
