As a child growing up in Northern Uganda, if it wasn't for the action taken by his big brother one university professor's future might not have turned out quite as bright.
Christopher Opio, a professor of ecosystem science and management at UNBC, got sick with bilharzia as a child when he drank contaminated water.
He remembers his brother taking him to the hospital and getting the medication to kill the parasitic flatworms that invaded his body.
"I was lucky I had someone taking care of me," said Opio. "I know others are not so lucky and I say no, not any more and I need to do what I can to change it so that kids and adults don't go through what I went through. That's the driving force behind it."
To help ensure clean drinking water is available to as many villages in Northern Uganda as possible, Opio has organized the eighth annual African Dinner and Auction at the Columbus Community Centre Friday, May 12. Last year's event raised more than $12,000.
Opio, the founder of the Northern Uganda Development Foundation, believes in giving back and within the foundation's mandate, raises funds to develop projects that empower villagers in Northern Uganda to create a self-sustaining way of life by providing safe water, adequate food and shelter, as well as education to maintain the new lifestyle.
"So water is our priority," said Opio. "People are still drinking really dirty water. Water which is infected with bacteria. The water is just horrible - so dirty and muddy - so if I can do my part with those who want to help, we can give these communities hope for drinking clean and safe water and that would really help a lot."
So far, the foundation has been able to provide 83 water wells that serve more than 120,000 people, Opio couldn't help but laugh with delight when providing that information.
"There's always a need for water," said Opio. "We provide the safe drinking water and then educate them on handling the safe drinking water."
Last year's funds went to a well and a tree nursery run by a women's group as the goal is always to empower the people to maintain a sustainable lifestyle.
"So health comes first and then we think about making some money by using a project run by them and we think that model is really working," said Opio. "From the income the women get by selling seedlings they use that money to send kids to school. So the project is planned by the community, developed by the community, run by the community and maintained by the community."
The latest addition to the funded projects offers an incentive so when a well is maintained properly, a goat is given as a reward for their hard work, added Opio. Goats can be used for many purposes, including for resale, milk, meat, and the hides are used as well.
"I'm not in the business of build a well and walk away - no," Opio said. "I want it to be a long lasting project."
When the well project is complete, the community selects a well management committee including a chair person, secretary and treasurer. If people can afford to contribute a small fee to use the well, that money is used to purchase parts to maintain the well.
The African Dinner and Auction will feature cocktails at 6 and dinner is at 6:45 p.m., authentic African food will be featured and is always a highlight of the evening. Many people will be in full traditional garb, including Opio, and an update will be given on where the money has gone and the future goals of the foundation.
There is a live and silent auction including some items from Africa, and donations from local businesses. There are door prizes as well.
Tickets are $40 and available at Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave., and the UNBC Bookstore.
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