Los Angeles Rams Legends are teaming up with The Chris Long Foundation and Waterboys for a trip to Tanzania to help bring life sustaining water to communities in need. Rams Alumnus and 2018 Walter Payton Man of the Year CHRIS LONG will be joined by Legends CHRIS DRAFT, GREG BELL and WILLIAM HAYES to witness firsthand the life-changing work of the Waterboys, help fund sustainable clean water projects in East Africa, and make a real and meaningful difference in solving one of the world's most pressing issues - the clean water crisis.
During the 9-day trip from February 17-25, the Legends will visit well sites, traditional water sources, a Waterboys school site, and journey to must-see sites such as Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro region. Each participant is also making a financial donation to fund much-needed water projects. Also joining the trip with the Rams Legends are NFL players Ben Garland (49ers), Myles Garrett (Browns) and Whitney Mercilus (Texans).
"I'm thrilled to have the support of fellow NFL Legends and to share their passion in developing clean water solutions for people who need it most," said Chris Long, founder of The Chris Long Foundation. "This will not only bring awareness to the work we are already doing in these East African communities but will also have an immeasurable impact through the resources and financial support they are providing."
The Rams Legends are also inviting fans to join the effort through an exclusive auction to benefit Waterboys. Merchandise includes autographed helmets, footballs and jerseys which can be bid on now through February 21 at www.accelevents.com/e/RamsLegends.
There are approximately 785 million people worldwide that live without access to clean, safe water. The consequences of water scarcity go beyond inadequate access to drinking water and limit educational, economic and agricultural opportunities as well as shorten life expectancies for the most vulnerable.
Since the program's founding in 2015, the Waterboys have funded 85 deep borehole wells which are providing water to over 360,000 people, engaged 45 current and retired NFL and NBA players in their cause and raised more than $4.5 million for water projects in support of the their mission to provide clean water to 1 million people.
Los Angeles Rams Punter JOHNNY HEKKER has been a supporter of the Waterboys organization since its founding, from raising funds through his donation page to awareness through his gameday cleats as part of the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign.
"I first heard about Waterboys when Chris (Long) was mulling over the idea," said the 4-time All-Pro Johnny Hekker. "There are so many things we take for granted living in a First World Country. To help other people experience those basic luxuries is a rewarding thing to be a part of. Getting to do some behind-the-scenes work to provide a healthy water source to people in East Africa and improve their way of life is an amazing thing to collaborate on."
For fans and supporters who would like to make a donation to help fund clean water projects in East African communities, please visit https://waterboys.org/group/waterboys-on-safari-rams-alumni/.
About Waterboys:
Founded in 2015 by two-time Super Bowl Champion Chris Long, Waterboys unites professional NFL and NBA athletes and fans from across the world in support of a single, shared cause: providing clean, accessible drinking water to 1 million people. By working together, players and fans can make a meaningful difference for communities in desperate need by funding sustainable clean water projects. These projects provide life-giving water and all that comes from it – including the opportunities for education, good health, and economic stability. Initially starting with projects in East Africa, Waterboys expanded its work in 2019 to also include U.S water projects. To date, Waterboys has raised over $4.5 million with the help of over 45 professional athletes, providing clean drinking water to more than 360,000 people as a result. To find out more, visit waterboys.org.
About The Chris Long Foundation:
The Chris Long Foundation engages both international and domestic programs focused around clean water, military appreciation, homelessness and youth. Its programs strive to generate impactful results by creating opportunities and providing resources, financial support and meaningful experiences to the individuals they serve.
