5k for Water

Building Wells. Building Lives.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Our Inspiration

The Muslim Student Association at UC Davis is holding our second annual 5K for Charity. Last year, we created this 5k to fundraise for Syrian refugees. This year, we are addressing access to clean water, both domestically and internationally. In an environment of rising tensions, we hope to unite people of all backgrounds in remembering our humanity and helping those who truly need it. We are providing an opportunity for interfaith collaboration and rejecting notions of Islamophobia, xenophobia, and racism.

Clean Water is a Human Right

When clean water can come from your fridge, filter or tap, people begin to take access to clean water for granted. Unfortunately, this reality isn’t universal. The World Health Organization and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) reported in 2015 that 1 in 10 people lack access to clean water, which means that across the world, twice the population of the United States live without access to clean water. Access to clean water also aids in the prevention of disease, promotion of education, and fosters an environment for economic development. The lack of access can be deadly and a major inhibitor for development.

Despite the idea that lack of clean water is only a problem for developing countries, Flint, Michigan is similarly facing a crisis. The Flint community has been forced to use water that was contaminated with a range of bacteria and unsafe metals and chemicals after the city of Flint switched its water supply system from Detroit to Flint River in April 2014. In January 2016, the city declared a state of emergency. The crisis is far from over, and residents are still forced to rely on bottled water.

By donating, not only are you going to make a difference in an individual's life, but you reaffirm your commitment to the never-ending battle for the human right of safe water.

Our Partners

The Muslim Student Association at UC Davis has partnered with Penny Appeal USA. Proceeds from this Run/Walk will go towards building wells in 11 underdeveloped countries abroad: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Somalia, Gambia, Niger, Ethiopia, and Sudan. These wells not only to deliver clean water to those in need, but to also foster sustainability and economic growth in the region. If you would like more information on Penny Appeal’s Thirst Relief program, please visit their website at https://pennyappealusa.org/programs/thirst-relief/.

We have also partnered with Convoy of Hope, an organization dedicated to providing clean drinking water to the community of Flint, Michigan and helping them overcome the crisis through grassroots community organizing. If you would like more information on Convoy of Hope, please visit https://www.convoyofhope.org/about/.

Help Us Achieve Our Goals

This year, we strive to:

Collaborate with students from a variety of organizations: secular, non-secular, academic, ethnic, cultural, etc.
Provide a safe space at UC Davis that increases awareness of humanitarian issues and unites students from various backgrounds
Establish a greater presence on campus to combat Islamophobia, xenophobia, and racism as well as inform others about Islamic principles
Build wells in eleven countries and provide relief to our neighbors in Flint
Continue to establish the 5K for Charity as a UC Davis tradition

To help us achieve our goals:

Attend Our Event! Register and buy tickets.
Donate here on LaunchGood! We greatly appreciate any amount.
Share this event in anyway you can through social media, to friends and family, at your workplace, or any way possible! The Facebook event link is: https://www.facebook.com/events/524640221021877/?active_tab=discussion
Pray for those in need of clean water access.