Fundraising with
water.org
When I first found out I’d be studying abroad in Tanzania, my mind immediately jumped to one dream: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of the outdoors, and summiting Africa’s highest peak felt like the ultimate adventure. But I knew from the start that I didn’t want it to just be something I crossed off a bucket list. I wanted it to mean something—not just to me, but to others as well.
Since my study abroad program was focused on public health, I began researching organizations doing meaningful work at the intersection of health and development.
That’s when I came across Water.org. Their mission—to expand access to safe water and sanitation—deeply aligned with what I was learning and witnessing firsthand in Tanzanian communities. I reached out with an idea: what if my climb could become a fundraiser?
To my excitement, Water.org agreed to partner with me. I wanted the campaign to reflect both creativity and connection, so I painted four-pack watercolor card sets inspired by Tanzanian wildlife—lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes—and sold them as part of the fundraiser. I also launched a GoFundMe to widen the reach of the project.
The response was incredible. I sold over 50 card packs and raised more than $2,000—enough to help install water pumps in 83 rural Tanzanian households. What started as a personal challenge became a community effort with tangible public health impact.
When it came time to climb, I documented the entire journey—from the foothills to the summit—on my Instagram account @lucystrailtales. It became a space to share not just the adventure, but also the deeper purpose behind every step. The climb transformed into something bigger than me—a call to action, a creative project, and a reminder of how meaningful change can start with a single idea and a willingness to act.
