H2O AFRICA AND A GLIMMER OF HOPE PARTNERING
TO PROVIDE CLEAN WATER IN ETHIOPIA

Austin, TX (Sept. 7, 2007) – A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, founded by Philip and Donna Berber, and the H2O Africa Foundation, co-founded by Matt Damon, have established a partnership to further their shared goal of providing clean water and improved sanitation to the poorest of the poor in water scarce regions of Africa.

This partnership is in conjunction with the soon-to-be-released documentary feature film, Running the Sahara, which highlights the H2O Africa campaign and is narrated and executive produced by Damon and directed by Academy Award winner James Moll. The film follows three ultra-marathoners on their quest to run 4,600 miles across the Sahara Desert, a route that included some of the world’s most impoverished and drought-stricken nations, such as Mali, Niger, and Mauritania .

A Glimmer of Hope and H2O Africa will focus their joint efforts on making a difference in rural communities across Ethiopia, a country with some of the worst water-related statistics on the planet. At any given time, 50 percent of the population is suffering from water-related diseases; only one person in ten has access to clean water; and, one child in ten dies before their fifth birthday, with half of those deaths due to diarrhea.

The partnership will begin with the construction of 14 wells in the Amhara Region of Northern Ethiopia for an average cost of approximately $3,500. Each one of these wells is capable of providing clean, safe drinking water to villages of up to 500 people.

“H2O Africa is focused on the development of sustainable, integrated water programs,” said Matt Damon, Co-founder and Spokesperson for The H2O Africa Foundation. “We are targeting initiatives that will affect positive change for the long run and complement other activity in the region, such as education and infrastructure development.  Water purification systems at schools, for example, provide clean water for children and encourage parents to bring their kids to school.”

“A Glimmer of Hope Foundation has become the model organization in the campaign to provide clean water to Ethiopia’s rural poor,” noted Jim Van Eerden, Foundation Director. “We’re excited about the work they do and the impact of their projects, and are privileged to have them as our partner as we endeavor to come alongside the people of Ethiopia.”

 “I think that working with H20 Africa is very exciting,” said Donna Berber, founder of A Glimmer of Hope Foundation. “We share the same ideals and working with them will not only help bring clean water and sanitation to thousands of people but it will inspire more people to take action. Working with Matt and Jim and the others involved with the H20 Africa campaign will help us raise awareness about the water crisis in Africa -- which we can help fix right now.”

The H2O Africa Foundation has a mission to create widespread public awareness of the water crisis in Africa and gather support and funding for integrated sustainable clean water programs in critical areas. Oversight of the H20 Africa programs and initiatives will be through partnerships with major non-governmental organizations as well as progress-based grant agreements. Donors can be part of groups that are adopting specific communities to ensure that they have safe water there. Every dollar contributed by donors goes to the work in the field.

A Glimmer of Hope Foundation is having a significant impact on rural communities in Ethiopia and has been recognized for its cost-effectiveness and compassion in the areas of International and Humanitarian Aid. Based out of Austin, Texas, A Glimmer of Hope is focused on making a sustainable difference in the lives of the rural poor by working in small, isolated communities through indigenous self-help organizations. A Glimmer of Hope provides clean, accessible water; educational facilities; health care; veterinary clinics; irrigation; microloan and emergency relief in crisis situations. Since 2001, the foundation has helped more than two million people all for an average of less than $10/ person; it has provided safe water to more than one million people for an average cost of $6.40/person.

 

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For further information please visit:

                  A Glimmer of Hope Foundation website:                  www.aglimmerofhope.org
                  H2O Africa Foundation website:                               www.h2oafrica.org
                  Running the Sahara Expedition website:               www.runningthesahara.com