H2O AFRICA AND A GLIMMER OF HOPE:
PARTNERS PROVIDING CLEAN WATER IN ETHIOPIA

Austin, TX (Dec. 16, 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 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 parts of Ethiopia, a country with some of the worst water-related statistics on the planet. For example, one child in 10 dies before their fifth birthday with half of those deaths due to diarrhea.

Since 2000, the foundation has provided safe water to more than one million people for an average cost of $6.40/person.

The partnership will begin with the construction of wells in rural Ethiopia. Each one of these wells is capable of providing clean, safe drinking water to villages of up to 500 people. This first initiative represents a matching grants effort totaling $100,000. Lead funding was provided by H2O Africa supporters and sports personalities Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra, along with fellow supporters Patrick and Caroline Hamm-Cruickshank, and Bill and Patty Leighton.

“H2O Africa is focused on the development of sustainable, integrated water programs,” said Damon. “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. Our efforts in Ethiopia with A Glimmer of Hope are a wonderful example of what the H2O Africa campaign is working to accomplish.”

“A Glimmer of Hope has become the model organization in the effort to provide clean water to Ethiopia’s rural poor,” noted Jim Van Eerden, H2O Africa’s Chairman. “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.”

According to Richard Klopp, H2O Africa’s executive director, the model A Glimmer of Hope is pioneering in Ethiopia provides the sort of effective solutions that, carried forward, holds the very real potential of changing the face of that nation.

“We take very seriously our responsibility to find the best possible water solution partners. A Glimmer of Hope, with its proven delivery of more than 2,000 water projects throughout Ethiopia, offers the sort of saturated effort that we are pleased to help expand,” Klopp added.

Donna Berber has called the partnership an important one for the people of Ethiopia.

“We share the same ideals and working with H2O Africa 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, Mia and the others involved with the campaign will help us raise awareness about the water crisis in Africa,” Berber said.

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. The foundation provides clean, accessible water; educational facilities; health care; veterinary clinics; irrigation; microloans 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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