On January 12th, 2008 Bernie and Beryl Doiron, a semi-retired couple originally from Prince Edward Island, set off on the Tour d’Afrique bicycle trek from Cairo, Egypt to Capetown, South Africa. It proved to be a journey that changed their lives forever and helped to change the lives of many others less fortunate through their fundraising efforts for WaterCan.
Joining a crew of 55 cyclists representing 12 nationalities, Bernie and Beryl traversed the African continent traveling—south through Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania and into Malawi, through to Zambia, over to Botswana, then Namibia and finally South Africa. They covered over 10,000 km over a 4 month period.
Once on the road, their decision to raise funds for WaterCan took on a special significance as they witnessed each day, with their own eyes, the realities of women and children forced to haul water from distant sources and as they themselves struggled with the reality of daily water rations.
Reflecting on their journey, Beryl says, "In our travels we have realized that the world is very small—we are all one people and it’s important that we look after each other to make a better world….there is much hope, but still so much to be done.” You, our WaterCan family of supporters, demonstrate every day that you too take this sentiment to heart, a fact that we are forever grateful for.
The Doirons used WaterCan's "My WaterCan Fundraiser" online fundraising program to quickly and easily rearch out to all of their family and friends. Find out how you can use "My WaterCan Fundraiser" to do a world of good in a few easy steps!
