Two GPS sophomores have organized the UNICEF Tap Project to take place at restaurants across Chattanooga. From March 21-27, World Water Week, area restaurants will ask patrons to donate $1 to pay for their normally free tap water. All funds raised support UNICEF’s efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world
Kaycee Ensign and Annie Paden are leading the local project for the third year. Every $1 raised will enable UNICEF to provide a child with safe water for 40 days.
“Fifteen restaurants in the Chattanooga area participated in the Tap Project when we started in 2008,” said Ms. Ensign. “Last year we got 40 restaurants in the Chattanooga area to participate, and we hope even more restaurants will participate this year.”
Every 21 seconds a child dies from a water-related disease, and nearly 900 million people worldwide —half of which are children - do not have access to safe drinking water.
To kickoff the week, the girls and other UNICEF volunteers will host a “Walk for Water” at GPS lower fields, near Pisa Pizza, on March 20 at 10 a.m. There is no cost to participate, but donations will be accepted.
“Participating in the Tap Project is important to us because there is such a huge need to help children around the world gain access to clean and accessible water,” said Ms. Paden. “The feeling of being a part of something much bigger than both of us is incredible.”
To learn more about UNICEF Tap Project, or to donate online, visit TapProject.org.