Photo taken by Water First, provided by NewsfileKohler, Wisconsin – This year provided an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the challenges Indigenous communities still have and face while living in Canada. One of the biggest challenges in these communities has been accessing clean water. To fight water challenges facing Indigenous communities across North America, Kohler is partnering with Water First, a registered Canadian charity that addresses challenges in Indigenous communities.
“Thirteen-and-a-half per cent of First Nations communities in Canada cannot drink their tap water,” explains Christopher Bell, vice president and general manager of Kohler Kitchen & Bath Canada. “In Ontario, that number is 40 per cent, which means four out of 10 First Nations in Ontario have unsafe drinking water.”
The partnership will see Kohler Canada working with Water First to launch a consumer campaign to raise awareness and funds to develop water operators who will acquire hands-on knowledge in the use of water quality equipment, analysis, and testing processes. This new campaign will build on the existing relationship between Kohler and Water First, which began in late 2020 and was confirmed in 2021 with a $10,000 donation.
“The water challenges faced by many Indigenous communities are significant,” says John Millar, executive director and founder of Water First. “While Water First has expertise in supporting communities and young Indigenous adults with skills training and education, we would not be able to achieve the results we need without the help of companies like Kohler,” The campaign encourages Canadians to donate to Water First with every dollar donated, up to $10,000, being matched by Kohler. The goal is to provide Water First with an additional $20,000 to continue its efforts.
“As a company focused on water, we are committed to promoting access to clean and safe water and are honoured to partner with Water First to develop sustainable solutions to water issues in communities across Canada,” said Bell.