Ryan Hreljac

Ryan Hreljac OOnt, MSM (born May 31, 1991) is a Canadian individual who, at the age of six, began raising money for those affected by the global water crisis, and has since raised millions for water and sanitation projects in Africa.

History

In 2001, when Ryan was in grade one he learned from his teacher, Mrs. Cathy Prest, that people were dying because they didn't have clean water to drink. He decided to raise money for those who didn't have clean water, working for four months in order to earn his first $70. Even though a real well costed close to $2,000, Ryan kept on raising money. His first well was built in 1999 when Ryan was seven years old at a school in a Ugandan village.

Ryan's determination grew from the $70 collected by doing simple household chores to a Foundation that today has contributed a total of 630 water and sanitation projects in 16 countries bringing clean water and sanitation services to over 700,880 people. The Foundation has raised millions of dollars.

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.

Personal life

Ryan graduated St. Michael's Catholic High School in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada in June 2009. He has three brothers. His parents are Susan and Mark Hreljac. Ryan currently attends the University of King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Ryan also plays for the University of King's College Blue Devils basketball team.

Ryan is still close to his African pen pal Jimmy Akana, who Ryan met on his first trip to Uganda.

External links

• Ryan's Well Foundation