Climbing for clean water

Tim Johnson, B.B.A.'18 

Tim Johnson, B.B.A.’18, is a firm believer that creative ideas can tackle world problems. When he became acquainted with Lifewater International—an organization committed to ending the global water and sanitation crisis in Cambodia, Ethiopia and Uganda—he decided it was time to take his own problem-solving skills to new heights.

So, Johnson set an ambitious goal that would not only challenge him personally, it would transform the lives of many. He pledged to climb 19,341 feet to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and raise $6,000 for Lifewater, which would provide clean, safe and long-lasting water technology to a remote village in need.

“The global water crisis is one of those problems that seems almost untouchable,” Johnson says. “Lifewater, like many other clean water organizations, believes the crisis can be effectively solved and ended by the world’s resources today. That tangible benefit made this cause something I could get behind, and Lifewater the ideal organization to support. Not to mention, the goal of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro at age 24 seemed like something cool to add to my experiences.”

Johnson, who majored in management at the Haworth College of Business and now holds a position as an analyst II at Bayer Healthcare, is passionate about corporate responsibility and social empowerment. He was especially drawn to Lifewater’s holistic approach to solving the global water crisis, which involves tailoring a specific program to address the unique needs of each region it serves. The organization then works with local residents to train them in water access, sanitation and hygiene practices.

“Lifewater has developed a ‘Healthy Village’ certification, which establishes guidelines and metrics for these communities to meet, and confirms that they have met them,” Johnson says. “This certification helps ensure these communities are healthy and safe for a lifetime and beyond.”

By including people in the process, Johnson adds, women and children no longer face the dangerous burden of fetching water miles from home. Additionally, waterborne disease from unsafe sources is significantly decreased.

Peak performance

Johnson had no prior climbing experience before the Kilimanjaro trek, which took place in June. But supporting the cause, in addition to the challenge of preparing physically for the climb, is something he felt compelled to do.

“I’ve wanted to do this climb for five years,” he says. “Now that I have the career and money to fuel it, I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.”

While advocating Lifewater’s mission and raising funds to support their work was a challenge in itself, getting in shape to make the 7-day climb to the highest peak in Africa was a completely different test.

“Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the toughest things I've ever done," Johnson says. "But climbing the mountain was never the goal; clean water for hundreds of people was the goal. If I were given the opportunity to support Lifewater again and make personal efforts to do so, I would."

Johnson surpassed his goal and raised $6,215 for the organization. His accomplishment will support a clean water source for about 200 people in Ethiopia. Visit Lifewater International to learn more about their mission.