Ryan's Well Foundation

Vital Stats

Gerry R

  • people helped705300
  • People Doing It 25

The Problem

Nearly one billion people – that’s 1 in every 8 of us – lack access to safe water. Every day, the global water and sanitation crisis claims the lives of as many children under five to equal that of 16 jumbo jets crashing. Over 2.5 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation – with nearly half that number (1.2 billion) – living without sanitation facilities at all. In our efforts to support people impacted by the global water and sanitation crisis, the Ryan’s Well Foundation engages local partners in each country to implement sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene projects. Access to clean water helps sustain and mobilize communities. Sanitation facilities provide dignity and improve hygiene. Hygiene education facilitates prevention and reduces the risk of life-threatening disease.

Plan of Action

The Ryan’s Well Foundation grew from the commitment of one boy, Ryan Hreljac, who learned of the great need for clean and safe water in developing countries in his 1st grade class. With the support of friends, family and the community, Ryan raised enough money to build a well in Africa. In 1999, at age seven, Ryan's first well was built at Angolo Primary School in northern Uganda. To this day, the well continues to serve the community. Although Ryan started raising money for water projects in 1998, the Foundation was not formed until 2001 and 2011 marks the 10th Anniversary of Ryan's Well. Over the years, Ryan’s Well has helped build 638 wells and 709 latrines bringing safe water and improved sanitation services to over 705,000 people. Here is a quick glance of what we’re all about: The Ryan’s Well Foundation is a Canadian registered charity (charitable registration # 88858 7110 RR0001) In the past five years, an average of 85 cents of every dollar donated directly supports our charitable programs. The Foundation has helped build 638 water projects and 709 latrines bringing safe water and improved sanitation to 705,365 people. In 2008 and 2009, Ryan, Ambassadors and staff made approximately 100 appearances throughout Canada, the Middle East and Asia. Now, the work of Ryan’s Well has become the story of countless people, young and old, from across the world who are inspired to take responsibility and make a difference either in their own communities, or like Ryan, in faraway places. Ryan’s story has made people realize that anyone, even kids in Grade 1, can make a difference.