COVID-19 FAQ’s: Why Our Work in Burundi is more important than ever

UPDATED 4/1/2021



Q: How can people help Burundi right now?

A: Becoming a monthly sustaining member is the easiest way to support the Foundation’s ongoing growth and steady investment in bringing clean water to the people who need it most.

Q: What is the status of construction right now?

A: The safety and well-being of our partners in Burundi (and the broader community) is at the top of our minds. As long as our partners in Burundi are safe, construction will continue.

Learn about the current project that is currently being built thanks to supporters like you. Learn how we build water systems.

Q: What events are happening in 2021?

A: To be in the know about what’s going on at Gazelle Foundation, announcements, new campaigns, events, and more please subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

Q: What is the status of the 2021 Run For The Water, 10-Mile, 5K, & Kids K, and Global Run?

A: We are optimistically looking ahead to the 2021 Run For The Water on November 7, 2021. The health and wellbeing of the running community remain our top priority. We are working with our city, state, and agency partners to plan a safe and exciting event, and we hope to have more specific details to share later this spring. No matter what our virtual Global Run For the Water 2021 will happen. We know that our mission of bringing together runners/walkers /bikers and supporters to challenge themselves while providing clean water is crucial. Wherever athletes are on the globe, they can participate and give clean water to our friends in Burundi.

While uncertainty continues we're excited to share 10 things about Run For The Water & Global Run For The Water, our premier fall running and fundraising events for the Gazelle Foundation.

Q: What was the Gazelle Foundation’s impact in 2020?

A: Thanks to you, 4,720 new people now have daily access to clean water. Download the 2020 Impact report.

  • Three water systems completed comprised of, 21 tap stands, 9 tanks, approximately 150 jobs created;

    • Musasa—Kirinzi project (1,600 people)

    • Nyarumanga-Musagara-Kibirizi (2,020 people)

    • Kabuki-Banda Kiroro (1,100 people)

Q:  Did Run For The Water 10-Mile, 5K and Kids K road race happen?

A: The 2020 Run For The Water was entirely virtual. Read more about the event and watch a short thank you video from Burundi click here. To go to the race homepage go here.

When you Run For The Water, your registration and donations directly fund the development of sustainable water systems in Burundi. You directly affect the number of children, families, and communities who receive a lifetime of clean water.

Q: What/When is the Global Run For The Water?

A: The 2020 Global Run For The Water is in the books. We truly couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks to you we had:

  • 18 incredible fundraisers and ambassadors

  • 1,656 runners and walkers, and bikers

  • from 30 states

  • and 13 countries

  • as far away as Malaysia

We are absolutely blown away by your commitment and generosity. Especially in these challenging times, you have shown us the power of what we can achieve when we work together to lift up everyone in our global community. We can’t say it enough: Thank you!

Even though the race is done, the Gazelle Foundation and our Global Run Community will be here for you. We hope you will continue to use the training tips, nutritional hints, meditation, playlists, STRAVA community. If you’ve found these resources useful we hope you’ll share them with your friends, and family. Check back regularly for further tips and challenges as we move forward.

Q: What is the status of the coronavirus in Burundi?

A: Due to our unique structure and in-country partners we are in constant contact with construction crews in Burundi to understand how we can best support them and how work is progressing. Construction crews are safe, and work continues. We also check resources including WHO, UPI, Africa CDC, BBC, OCHA and Le Monde.

We will continue to post updates on our website and social media platforms. Water systems we build are in rural Burundi. See map.

One thing we know for sure: our work is absolutely critical. The basic preventative measures that are keeping families healthy and safe in this pandemic start with access to clean water and good hygiene.

Q: Can I get one of those Burundi shirts, hats, masks?

A: Thank you for supporting clean water in style! Merchandise is available here.

Q: What are other ways to give?

A: There are many ways to support the Gazelle Foundation’s mission. While we love traditional monetary donations, there are lots of methods for bringing clean water and hope to the people that need it most. Including matching programs, payroll deductions, gifts of stock etc. See more ways to give here.

The Gazelle Foundation’s ability to build additional water systems is directly related to funding, our program services committee meets regularly to make recommendations on future water projects. Our current goal remains the same to strive to build more water systems and provide clean water to people in Burundi. If you would like to contribute to this goal, please go to link. 

To date, the Gazelle Foundation has collaborated with local citizens to install 54 gravity-fed water systems in Burundi, bringing clean water to over 100,000 people and transforming their lives forever. Learn about the impact of our work.

Access to clean water is always essential for keeping people healthy but right now it’s the critical first line of defense against coronavirus. On behalf of the families and communities we serve, thank you for giving the gift of clean water. Get involved, learn more.


As the coronavirus spreads, clean and safe water is more important than ever

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As we distance ourselves, physically, it is essential we do not distance our hearts and minds from the most vulnerable in our world.

Learn about upcoming events or subscribe to our mailing list and hear stories of hope and perseverance, to see the impact of your support on individuals and to help us raise critical funds for our mission.