Members of the Austin cohouse Oak Grove Abbey, recently completed their drive to raise $844.80 for the African Well Fund’s “Walk Ten Miles in Her Shoes’ program.

Over the past 12 months, members of the community collected loose change and held two separate fundraiser parties to reach the goal of $844.80 (84,480 pennies lined up make a mile).

Oak Grove Abbey members were inspired by Bono’s activism to participate in the fundraiser. They began collecting loose change last spring. In October, they held an Oktoberfest fundraiser, inviting friends to come and sample homebrew and to donate to their well drive. The party/fundraiser was so successful that they held a second one on St. Patrick’s Day, this time enlisting a local band to perform. Over 100 people attended!

Members of the community strive to live authentically with an emphasis on social justice. Community members feel that participation in the 10 Mile program helped to raise awareness of their own water usage and wastefulness while working to raise money to meet the practical need of those who don’t enjoy the unlimited access to clean water that we do. Jolie Willis hopes that “we were able to raise awareness not only of your organization but also of the needs in many African countries. It's far too easy to live in reckless denial of the great suffering around us.“

The African Well Fund salutes Oak Gove Abbey and congratulates them on their fundraising success. Their efforts will have a significant impact on the lives of many people. If you would like more information on how to participate in the 10 Mile program, please visit our 10 Mile page or email amartens@africanwellfund.org.