Giving Tuesday marks third donation towards the water crisis
COLUMBIA - Wear it Well Consignment Boutique, located in the Factory at Columbia, opened three and half years ago with the mission to fund clean water projects for charity:water. Owner Marni Truelove is now doing just that and the story continues.
Access to clean water is now a reality for thousands of people in Madagascar, where Truelove’s first $10,000 donation from 2021 was included in a grant to Helvetas, Madagascar. One hundred per cent of her generous donation funded one piped system tap stand. Ultimately, this contribution included in the $3 million grant to Helvetas has helped to fund 504 water projects serving more than 40,870 people.
Truelove knew she wanted to start a business that would help her reach her goals for global clean water projects. She is grateful to her loyal customers and the success her business has experienced since opening almost four years ago. “We have developed a number of friendships and a multitude of loyal thrift shoppers and consignors who have chosen action over apathy. I couldn’t be happier watching an idea become a successful reality,” stated Truelove. “Together we truly believe we can help solve the water crisis in our lifetime.”
The second $10,000 donation was included in a grant to International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Ethiopia at the beginning of 2023. They are currently about six months into their 21-month timeline. In the first six months, they will complete extensive research and prep work. They will acquire work permits, purchase supplies and collaborate with community members to train local caretakers and begin water point construction. This preparation period is crucial for each water project’s success, sustainability and community engagement as it creates a sense of ownership and pride. In the next few months, the construction of spring protection systems and piped systems will accelerate. Once construction is complete, IRC will test the water quality and hand the projects over to the community for ongoing maintenance and management.
On Giving Tuesday 2023, Wear It Well will make their third donation to charity:water. Scott Harrison, the founder and CEO of charity:water, was recently asked what it would take to solve the water crisis. His reply was $135 billion.