Simpson Students Bike 3,200 Miles for Clean Water in Africa

For Immediate Release


REDDING, Calif. - In an effort to bring freshwater wells to people in Africa, eight college students from Simpson University, a Christian liberal arts university in Northern California are cycling over 3,200 miles across the United States in partnership with Blood:Water Mission.


The Wheels for Wells bike team began its 40-day expedition on June 8 in Florence, Ore., and will travel to Nashville, Tenn. The team hopes to raise awareness and funds for the 1,000 Wells Project through Blood:Water Mission, a non-profit organization founded by the band members of Jars of Clay. The riders will be speaking at churches, youth groups, and other community forums about the clean water projects and the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa.


The 1,000 Wells Project began in 2004 to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa by building 1,000 wells and clean water projects in African communities. Since the project began, Blood:Water Mission has funded 340 clean-water projects in 11 countries, delivering clean water to more than 276,000 people in Africa.



To prepare for the journey, the students have been training since early February. Each student raised $2,000 for the Simpson University tour. The students plan to stay at campsites and churches in the cities they travel through.


Emelia Robinson, Wheels for Wells team leader, said, "It is overwhelming to read statistics telling us that 300 million people are affected by water shortages in Africa (UN) and that 80% of the diseases that are currently ravaging the continent could be cured with the installment of sustainable clean-water solutions (WHO)."


While on their bike expedition, the students will collect funds so that they can support the work of Blood:Water Mission.


"It's our hope to create awareness that normal, everyday people can have a positive impact on this crisis. Just one dollar can provide clean drinking water to an African for one year." said Robinson.


For more information on the Blood:Water Mission and the Wheels for Wells bike team, visit www.simpsonuniversity.edu/missions or our blog at http://www.wheelsforwells.wordpress.com/.



Simpson University, located at 2211 College View Drive in Redding, is a Christian university of liberal arts and professional studies offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. Simpson's academic programs also include the A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary, offer a Master's of Divinity. For more information about the university, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit  http://www.simpsonuniversity.edu/.

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Contact: Wendy Matthews
wmatthews@simpsonuniversity.edu
(530) 226-4126