Ryan Hreljac

Ryan Hreljac (born May 31, 1991,24 years old ) is a Canadian who, while still a child, began raising money for those affected by the global water crisis, and has since raised millions of dollars for water and sanitation projects in Africa.

Early life

Ryan has three brothers. His parents are Susan and Mark Hreljac. Ryan became an activist at the age of six. He graduated from St. Michael's Catholic High School in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada in June 2009 and went on to attend the University of King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Ryan graduated from university.

Activism

Ryan was just six years old and in first grade when he first learned there were people in Uganda who walked great distances to collect fresh water, and that many of them died because the water was contaminated with bacteria. He counted the steps that took him from his classroom to the water fountain. He took his pocket money earned through doing chores at home and helping out neighbors to WaterCan, a charity that built wells in Africa. He was disappointed when he found out his first goal, 70$, was only enough for a hand pump, as the real amount was a whopping 2000$. A friend of the Herljacs printed a newspaper article about Ryan to speed things up. As a result, he quickly acquired 2000$ and his exceptional story went global.

His first well was built at Angolo Public School in northern Uganda. As a result of his initiative and work, the Ryan's Well Foundation was set up.

Personal life

Ryan met a boy named Jimmy Akana, from Uganda at a young age who he helped by building a well and adopting him later on in his life. Ryan is still close to his African pen pal, who Ryan met on his first trip to Uganda. Jimmy also graduated High School with Ryan in June 2009.

External links

• Ryan's Well Foundation