Lawrence Roundabout Wells Appeal
In summer of 2005, Virginia and Peter Prifti lost their eight-year old son Lawrence to a rare degenerative condition. Virginia resolved to campaign for a cause to honor her son's memory, and when she saw a story about "magic roundabouts" in the newspaper, she knew she had found it. Since then, Virginia has dedicated countless hours to PlayPumps International's efforts to bringing clean, safe water to underserved communities in southern Africa.
"I liked the combination of something which was fun for children but which was also highly practical," says Virginia.
In September of 2005, the Priftis established a charity, Lawrence's Roundabout Well Appeal. In its first 18 months, the charity garnered enough donations to sponsor eight PlayPump® water systems.
Virginia and her family worked tirelessly to raise funds for their cause. They appealed to local schools, hosted parties, sold crafts, and even organized a Christmas concert.
The family's local community of generous schools, clubs and individuals has campaigned by their side. The school their son Lawrence had attended sponsored a water walk, simulating the distance traveled and effort exerted by women in water-stressed countries who have to walk miles daily to gather water for their families.
Most recently, a local golf club has chosen to benefit Lawrence's Roundabout Well Appeal as its "Charity of the Year". Community members also organized a benefit concert in mid-May, and a local swimming school will hold a sponsored competition on the charity's behalf. Local school donations in recent months total over £2,000.
"People are so enthusiastic about the PlayPump systems and the simplicity of the idea, and how relatively cheap it is to provide so many people with clean water," says Virginia.
Most PlayPump systems bear donor plaques, and those donated by the fund bear Lawrence's photo and the inscription, "In memory of Lawrence, a little boy who loved life." The lucky students at schools where these water systems were installed responded with an outpouring of gratitude to the Priftis, sending letters of thanks and even drawing diagrams of their schools' water systems.
M.S. Sekatane, Principal of N.P. Mathabela Secondary in Acornhoek, South Africa wrote, "We were without a drop of water in the school premises…our situation was pathetic, especially in summer. The roundabout pump has really changed our lives. We are now even thinking of having a small garden in the school, now that we have water. A million thanks to you, Mrs. Prifti, for your kindness, sympathy and generosity for helping us have water; which is the source of all life."
One student named Nyatsi Mpulwane wrote, "Water is life and the roundabout water pump has brought life in our school. As we use the water pump we are remembering Lawrence, a little boy who loved life."
Virginia has recently made a gift for the fund's ninth PlayPump system. She hopes to visit the PlayPump systems donated in Lawrence's memory in person one day soon - if she can ever tear herself away from her tireless fundraising!
Virginia Prifti is a university lecturer and market research consultant, and lives in Wales with her husband Peter and daughter Imogen. To learn more and support the Lawrence Roundabout Wells Appeal, visit the website.