Ryan Hreljac

Ryan Hreljac (born May 31, 1991)^[1] is a Canadian who, while still a child, began raising money for those affected by the global water crisis, and has since raised millions of dollars for water and sanitation projects in Africa.

Early life

Ryan has three brothers. His parents are Susan and Mark Hreljac. Ryan became an activist at the age of six. He graduated from St. Michael's Catholic High School in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada in June 2009 and went on to attend the University of King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Ryan also plays for the University of King's College Blue Devils basketball team.

Activism

Ryan was just six years old when he first learned there were people in Uganda who walked great distances to collect fresh water, and that many of them died because the water was contaminated with bacteria. He counted the steps that took him form his classroom to the water fountain.^[2] He took his pocket money earned through chores at home and by helping out neighbors , to a charity that built wells in Africa. As a result the charity decided to match his donations and his exceptional story went global.^[2]

His first well was built at Angolo Public School in northern Uganda.^[3] As a result of his initiative and work, the Ryan's Well Foundation was set up.

Personal life

Ryan met an a boy from Uganda at a young age who he helped by building a well and adopting him later on in his life. Ryan is still close to his African pen pal Jimmy Akana, who Ryan met on his first trip to Uganda. Jimmy also graduated High School with Ryan in June 2009.

References

External links

• Ryan's Well Foundation