In 2007 the founding board members of the Run for Water Society conceptualized a unique event to be hosted in Abbotsford, British Columbia.  The vision was to stage a top tier internationally recognized running event that would attract a wide range of participants and athletes and, at the same time, raise awareness - and funds - for people in the developing world who lack one of life's basic necessities - clean water.  Since 2008, this volunteer board has staged an annual run which has grown to include a gala event, a race expo and extensive involvement with students who learn about what it means to become compassionate global citizens.  All the funds raised - over $2,500,000 to date - go towards helping building clean water projects in some of the most remote and desolate areas of southern Ethiopia.