Metro Charity Raises Money for Clean Water Overseas

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma - An Edmond based charity is making a difference by trying to save lives by helping those with diseases caused by impure water. Volunteers are taking the organization's message-- coast to coast.

The Benders are mapping their way back home to Phoenix, Arizona. They've spent the last month traveling coast to coast in their RV. At times it may have felt a bit cramped as the entire family is on this trip.

Each member of the Bender family are volunteers for Water Is Life.com, an Edmond based charity founded by Ken Surritte.

"1.8 billion people don't have access to clean water a day, and what we want to do is give them a solution," Surritte said.

Their solution is straws that filter out waterborne diseases. Waterislife.com has now taken them into 20 countries around the world.

"They just take this straw and put in n the water, pop the top and get a drink," Surritte said.

Along her cross-country journey, Kristine Bender has shared her passion for pure water in hopes of getting others to join.

"It's been such a diverse group," said Kristine Bender said. "Kids, a lot of schools, churches, the University, a lot of interaction with state and federal government."

Now as the entire family heads home they do so with a sense of accomplishment knowing they've raised money and awareness about the need for clean water.

"I can actually make a difference in my lifetime," Mark Bender said. "Hopefully my children, this will change their lives in some way to give back in the next generation that there wouldn't be a global pure water crisis."

Find out more on volunteering or donating.