By Okon Ekpenyong

Rural areas in Africa and other parts of the world continue to have a triple threat of water-related crisis, which endangers the lives of millions of families, per the latest data from UNICEF.That’s why a central Ohio organization, Drills4Life, works on addressing this epidemic, specifically in Zimbabwe communities and Sub-Sahara Africa. The longevity of Drill4Life would not be possible without the collaboration of its partners like Design Outreach, other sponsors, board members, and volunteers.

Golfing Outing

Since 2021, the Drill4Life Annual Charity golf outing, which is one of many fundraising campaigns by the organization to raise thousands of dollars for this cause, and this year’s event was also a success, with 96 golfers and 16 volunteers taking part in the event at the beautiful Safari Golf Club across the street from Columbus Zoo in Powell.

The funds help raise awareness and resources to increase access to one of our most essential resources, which is clean, fresh, and sustainable water in rural Zimbabwe and sub-Saharan Africa.

The weather was perfect; all the golfers could enjoy the beautiful golf course with their families, friends, and business associates, and, most importantly, they could play for a good cause.

The golf outing started at 2 pm with a shotgun to kick off the event. In addition to on-course games, the winning team received prizes for their efforts.

This year’s hole sponsors included 2 Times Brewing, Colliers, Mary Dietsch Architecture & Design, Lemon Garden Designs, Guaranteed Rate Affinity, and many others. 7th Gear Exotics Automotive, which rents luxury and exotic cars, was the day’s primary sponsor.

Mission

The organization’s mission is to provide clean water to rural communities plus sub-Saharan Africa. Drilling wells offer clean, safe water to villages and communities without access to water. It will also contribute to strengthening communities and developing a healthier future for children by extending the reach of education.

The former Miss Zimbabwe back in 1995, Dionne McCarthy, who is on the board, said that the country gave her so much that working with Sim Maswels, the co-founder, is a blessing since it is part of her heritage. Co-founder Maswels accounts his experience growing up in Rural Zimbabwean as the vision behind Drills 4 Life.

Drills 4 Life & Design Outreach

Design Outreach is a faith-based organization celebrating its 10th anniversary, and it manufactures hand pumps for wells in conjunction with Sunset Solution. They help keep millions of families in countries like Haiti, nine other countries, plus Zimbabwe from lacking sustainable water.

The partnership between these two organizations has continued to help improve the lives of thousands living in rural Zimbabwe and Sun-Sahara Africa by providing safe and clean drinking water.

According to the organization, the Life Pump can go three times deeper than other pumps and lasts longer. This pump is handy in the case of poorly dug wells, and it operates at a depth of 45 meters; if it works effectively, it can go up to 150 meters deep.

The Design Outreach team and its partner Sunset Solution developed additional tools as time progressed to enhance the product’s sustainability, such as a satellite base sensing device capable of predicting when and how much the pump is operating and when preventative maintenance is required.

Financial

There have been 15 wells dug so far since the organization began operating in 2014. One well alone could cost $6k, while others could cost up to $12k—the drillers charge per meter once they reach forty meters. Drills4life remains committed to saving countless lives despite this and pushing to have 100 wells by 2031.

In 2021, the golf outing generated $15,114.43; in 2022, it generated $9,662.74, and the turnout on Saturday, May 20, is likely to surpass both, helping increase the chance for another well. The organization also has donations from its Facebook Birthday Fundraiser outreach, Amazon Smile, and this year they are having its annual Zimbabwean BBQ Dinner on August 20. In addition, they are introducing a new event this year, the 5k Run 4 Water, which will be on October 21 at 9 am.

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