CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) – Charleston based Water Missions International is celebrating its 10th anniversary of helping people live better lives. In 2001, the local non-profit devised a system to purify water to make it safe for drinking.
"When we started we had a vision to serve people in need with safe water and also an opportunity to hear the living water message which is the love of Jesus Christ," said Co-founder Molly Greene of Water Missions International.
Originally the non-profit strived to serve a few thousand people. Over the past 10 years, the group has served over 2 million people in over 49 countries. Water Missions has provided water to some of the poorest nations in the world and assisted numerous natural disasters. The group provides equipment that in a matter of hours can transform water systems into safe drinking water.
"When a disaster hits the most important need is safe water. You can live without food much longer than you can live without clean water," said Greene.
Leaders say they will focus more on education as they move into the future and plan on building about 150 water system treatments this year. Each system costs about $10,000 and 1 unit can serve a community of 3,000 people. In Haiti alone, the group has 280 water systems established.
"Our desire is for transformational growth," said Greene.
Water Missions International held a special gala and silent auction Thursday night at Lowndes Grove in Downtown Charleston to raise money to continue their work and celebrate their 10-year anniversary.
