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On August 22, Good Neighbours Canada (GNCA) returned to the annual BackRoads Run to Port Stanley, joining approximately 300 runners for a morning of running, community, and fundraising for our Clean Water Initiative in Zambia.
Organized by BackRoads Running Club, the free social run welcomed participants across distances ranging from 3.5 km to 33.6 km, with staggered starting points leading to the finish at Port Stanley Beach. Building on last year’s partnership, runners were invited to fundraise for GNCA’s ongoing Clean Water Initiative.
As runners made their way toward Port Stanley Beach, the GNCA team welcomed them at one of the final aid stations with water, snacks, electrolytes, and encouragement to keep them going. Many stopped to learn more about GNCA’s work in Zambia, and some even arrived with cash in hand, ready to donate.
This year’s run was also a chance to share the impact of last year’s fundraising. In 2025, BackRoads runners raised $1,200, contributing to the construction of a new well in Chiwena Village. Completed in December 2025, the well has improved access to safe water, with a local Water Committee involved in its ongoing management and care.
Read more about the new well in our Chiwena Village story, or look back at the 2025 BackRoads Run to Port Stanley.
Across Zambia, access to safe water remains an ongoing challenge, with 27% of households lacking basic water services, according to UNICEF Zambia. GNCA continues to work alongside local communities to improve water access and support the long-term management of water facilities.
This year, runners raised more than $1,000 for the Clean Water Initiative in Zambia.
We are grateful to BackRoads Running Club and everyone who ran, donated, stopped for a conversation, or encouraged others along the way. Thank you as well to GNCA team members Hyang Cho, Yona Lim, Sasiaro Nyam, and Umamah Najam for supporting the event.
There are many ways to be part of the impact. Visit our Clean Water page to learn more or donate to support the Clean Water Initiative in Zambia.
If your group or company would like to organize an event for a cause you care about, consider choosing Good Neighbours Canada as your charity of choice, as BackRoads Running Club has done. Contact us at hello@gncanada.ca to explore how we can work together.
Source: UNICEF Zambia, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene www.unicef.org/zambia/water-sanitation-and-hygiene
