On Saturday, August 18, Tyler Matzen, at five years old, will set up his plastic cash register with his $50 float outside the library along with other vendors prepared to sell their locally grown produce at the BowFEAST market.From 9 a.m. till noon, Tyler will sell a variety of freshly grown sprouts and peanut butter energy balls, all for a good cause.A budding entrepreneur, Tyler has decided to raise money to help with the global water crisis around the world. His aim is to buy a PlayPump for a village in Africa.
Tyler first learnt about PlayPumps from the bookBlue Planet Run - The Race to Provide Safe Drinking Water to the World, created by Rick Smolan and Jennifer Erwitt.
An avid reader, Tyler, with the help of his mother frequently borrowed this large and heavy book from the local library.Captivated by the large colourful photographs taken by top photojournalists, Tyler couldn't help but be intrigued by the message that provided the family with much to discuss. In the end, what resonated most with this young mind was the PlayPump.
A PlayPump is a modified merry-go-round that pumps fresh water from below ground into a storage tank above the surface. Powered by the energy of children, this pump works as the kids spin and play on it. According to the book, one out of every six people in the world do not have access to clean water. Tyler wants to change those stats with the added bonus of a playground ride to entertain the children.
To date, Tyler has raised an impressive $356.12. His all-natural peanut butter energy balls and organically grown sprouts sell out fast - come early to the BowFEAST farmers marked so you don't miss out!
If you wish to place an order with Tyler and contribute to his cause you may do so by emailing him [email protected] call 604-754-2389.
