A sold-out crowd gathered at Hotel ZaZa on Saturday evening, February 28, 2026, for a powerful night of celebration and impact, raising support to bring clean water to more communities in Burundi.
Guests began the evening with an immersive, eye-opening water walk simulation, offering a glimpse into the daily journey many take to collect water. That shared experience set the tone for the night, which continued with dinner, dancing, a lively auction, and a photo booth to capture the moment.
The smiles tell the story of a community coming together to build clean water systems that transform daily life in Burundi.
World Water Day: Then, Now, and the Work Still Ahead in Burundi
This World Water Day, we reflect on the journey of bringing clean water to Burundi—from the early struggles to the progress made today.
Because of you, communities in Burundi are no longer walking miles for unsafe water. Children are in school. Families are healthier. Hope is flowing.
Today, we’re proud to share our 2025 Impact Report — a look at what your generosity made possible.
See an interactive map of all the sustainable water systems we have built in partnership with communities across rural Burundi. We started in the Bururi Province and intend to expand as water systems are completed.
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Musinzira-Mahwa water system kicked off on February 9, 2026. The system was made possible by the generosity of donors like you.
This water system marks a new beginning for this rural community by delivering permanent and close access to clean water. Currently there is no clean water located nearby, which means community members walk several miles away to fetch water that is contaminated.
Run For The Water registration will open July 1, 2021, four weeks from today. We are kicking off countdown month with a very special partnership with our friends at Kendra Scott. Oh, and it’s also Global Running Day! What better way to celebrate than to treat yourself and your running buddies to a little sparkle and shine?
We are so please President George W. Bush’s book, Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants features 43 painted portraits and stories of immigrants to the United States – including our co-founder, Gilbert Tuhabonye. He is included alongside several other illustrious immigrants, from Madeleine Albright to Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Bush family’s housekeeper, Paula Rendón. Learn more about Gilbert Tuhabonye.
The Kazuga water system is the second water system to be built this year, and our 58th project overall. See the full list of projects here.
New construction is a direct result of your support. Together we are making an impact in Burundi to end the water crisis. The crews on the ground are already hard at work to build this and every single water project you fund.
Jackie says, “Gilbert Tuhabonye's story of personal tragedy turned to individual triumph is just one of my motivations to become a monthly donor. Knowing that each race registration fee raises enough money to provide clean water to a resident of Burundi for life must mean that monthly donations provide that much more. Water is life. What could be easier or more rewarding than providing that every month?”
World Water Day became a United Nations observance day in 1993. On 22 March every year, people and organizations mark World Water Day. Valuing Water, this year’s theme extends the conversation beyond issues of pricing to include the environmental, social, and cultural value people place on water.
Watch Gilbert Tuhabonye, Co-Founder of Gazelle Foundation show how our actions are tackling the water crisis. And what’s possible.
