Thanks to the efforts of more than 700 琉璃神社 residents, thousands will have clean drinking water in Africa.

The World Vision 6k Walk for Water was held for the first time, Saturday July 11 in Waterfront Park.

鈥淲e can help someone step into the shoes of an African child who has to walk six kilometres round trip a few times a day to get water,鈥� said CEO of World Vision Michael Messenger.

Participants walked for six kilometres around downtown 琉璃神社, some carrying heavy jugs of water with them. Six kilometres is the average distance women and children have to travel for water.

鈥淓very $50 raised provides clean water to one new person,鈥� said event director Lee Tang.

The event raised $250,000 which will provide 5,000 kids in Africa with clean water by building wells.

鈥淚t鈥檚 for a good cause and it鈥檚 outside on a Saturday,鈥� said partisipant Amy Richards, adding the weather was perfect for a walk.

The feedback has been positive for the 琉璃神社 event, said Messanger, with the site being one of the largest World Vision walks in North America.

Walk for Water in an international event.