As the staff of a charitable organization we are privileged to witness acts of kindness and compassion on a daily basis. Here's one that really took our breath away. Connor Kindred, a 10 year old boy from Emerald Park, Saskatchewan, has recently demonstrated truly boundless commitment to our vision "Clean Water for All". Over the past 7 months he's raised more than $21,000 through his My WaterCan Fundraiser Webpage in support of clean water projects in two Ethiopian communities. He was recently recognized for his efforts with the "Shining World Compassion Award".
What follows is an update send by the Kindred Family to their supporters.
Dear friends,
Here is an update on Connor’s Well Wish clean water fundraising through WaterCan. Thank you so much for your support and your best wishes for Connor and his efforts. We are in awe at the great things that can be achieved by a group of people, all starting with one young boy’s wish to help. Together we have all helped improve the lives of so many people!
Project Visit and Update: Clean Water for Hamle 19 and Dera Boku Primary School
Tom and I (Patti, Connor's mother) visited Hamle 19 Primary in January and can tell you that the project will significantly improve the lives of over 1300 students and teachers. They have a clean, secure water source, new accessible pit latrine facilities, and a hygiene education program. Each of these components combine to provide a better future for the students and their families. While Connor was unable to travel with us, he was there in spirit and on a photograph. Below you'll see students "meeting" Connor.
The construction of a 63 meter water well, water distribution point 
and hygiene station at Dera Boku Primary School in the rural Oromo region are also well underway. The well has been drilled and the wellhead and distribution point are next. The school’s Water and Sanitation Committee, along with teachers and parents, have received training on the ongoing management and operation of the facilities.
Connor Named Recipient of the Shining World Compassion Award
Due to your generous and immediate support of Connor’s fund raising efforts, something very exciting and unexpected has happened. He has been chosen to receive the Shining World Compassion Award from The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, along with an additional $10,000 US for WaterCan.
This will bring Connor's fundraising total to $31,000. The Supreme Master Ching Hai’s award committee took notice of Connor’s fund raising efforts via various local media stories, and decided that he was a worthy recipient of this award.
The award recognizes people who work to improve the well-being of people and animals, and strive to be the best person they can be through compassion and action. Connor received the award at a ceremony hosted at White City School on May 26, attended also by WaterCan's Executive Director Gary Pluim. The award ceremony and interviews were filmed and shared worldwide on the organization’s satellite TV and internet video systems as a way to inspire others to take action to create a better world. Here is an excerpt from Supreme Master Ching Hai’s letter to Connor:
“Bravo, kind-hearted young Connor Kindred! Due to your love, empathy and noble ideals of sharing wealth, may Ethiopian children’s lives will be elevated to a higher quality through your generous and caring endeavors. Thank you for your tenacious efforts in support of these life enhancing projects and uplifting our world with your inspirational example of love in action.”
“For selflessly providing for the needs of the less fortunate, for your creativity and kind-hearted benevolence, and for being a noble and dedicated young role model, we hearby applaud and celebrate the compassionate deeds of Connor Kindred, youthful benefactor extraordinaire.”
Thank you again for your support of Connor over the past months.
All the best from the Kindred family,
Tom, Patti, Connor, and Daniel.
