RYAN HRELJAC'S STORY
Ryan Hreljac was born in May 31, 1991 and is a canadian boy who, at the age of six, began raising money for those impacted by the global water crisis, and has since raised millions for water and sanitation project in Africa.
In 1998, 6 years old Ryan Hreljac listened intently when his grade one teacher talked about the plight of people in Africa who had to walk many kilometres every day just to fetch water, the most basic element for human survival. Ryan was shocked and decided he needed to build a well for a village in Africa. He raced home from school and begged his parents for $70- the amount he thought was needed to build one well. He would not give up the idea and pestered them until they relented and agreed to let him do extra chores to earn the money.
Four months later, ryan completed the task, but when he delivered the money to a charity that builds wells in Africa, he learned that $70 was only enough for a hand pump and that a well would actually cost $2000. Undeterred he said, “ I’ll just do more chores.” Ryan’s tenacity touched the hearts of many adults, gave hope and life to many others, and began an unrelenting journey of media interviews and speaking engagements. Ryan’s first well was built in 1999 when Ryan was seven years old at a school in a Ugandan village. The well continues to serve thousands of people.
Ryan’s determination grew from the $70 collected by doing simple household chores to the Ryan’s Well Foundation, which today has contributed a total of 461 wells in 16 countries brining clean water and sanitation services to over half a million people. Ryan continues to be is a passionate speaker and a compelling voice for people impacted by the global water crisis in the developing world.
Ryan remains dedicated to the Foundation and its work. He continues to speak passionately about the need for clean water around the world and has visited over two dozen countries in spreading his message. He has made presentations to hundreds of schools, churches and civic clubs, and more than two dozen international conferences and global events including Rotary International and the World Water Forums. He is recognized by UNICEF as a Global Youth Leader.
Ryan has received many awards for his work including the World of Children Founders’ Award, the Order of Ontario (youngest ever recipient). Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers, the Canadian Meritorious Service Medal, and the Top 20 Under 20 Youth Award. His message has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show (twice). CNN and CBC Numerous books, magazines and newspapers have profiled Ryan including Christian Science Monitor, People, Reader’s Digest, Time, Times of London, and Water voices.
Now, Ryan is in grade 12 at St. Michael’s CHS in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada. He has three brothers; Keegan, Jordan, and his adopted brother, Jimmy Akana. His parents are Susan and Mark Hreljac. Ryan enjoys playing soccer, basketball, hockey, golf, football, and fishing.
By: Sandra and Fred
