For Ted and Miriam Vander Zalm, it’s all about water.

The founders of Wells of Hope, a charitable organization with many volunteers in Niagara, the Vander Zalms have devoted their lives to helping to bring fresh water to the people of Jalapa, one of the poorest regions of Guatemala, Central America.

Established in 2004, the Wells of Hope group dug their first well by hand, and has completed nine wells, providing clean water to over 40,000 people. The group has purchased a new high-end $1-million drilling rig and is determined to pay it off.  Their plan, ‘Build for Hope’, is to construct a 2,400 square foot home, sell it for $600,000.00 and realize $300,000.00 in profits to purchase the drilling rig. Three local construction coordinators (Ron Hendriks – Homes by Hendriks, Ben Obdeyn – Mabo Construction, and Frank Memme – Mountainview Homes), as well as many other volunteer companies, suppliers, and skilled trades will help with the construction of the home.

Other fund-raising efforts will include a concert by Jann Arden on November 11 at 8pm at the Shaw Festival (click here for tickets) as well as an open house and barbecue on November 19 from 12-3pm