(Video Above: IronTribe Fitness and Neverthirst install bio-filtration systems in Cambodia)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Since it’s founding in 2007, Alabama-based IronTribe Fitness has quickly grown into a national brand that now has locations in 15 states, making it one of the fastest growing fitness companies in America. But in addition to building a profitable business, the company’s founders, staff and member athletes have also been doing a different kind of building in impoverished countries around the globe.
In 2009, co-founder and business owner, Forrest Walden decided he wanted to use the business to give back to those in need. His desire was to combine the ministry he helped start, Neverthirst, and the business he owns, IronTribe Fitness, in a joint effort to help bring clean water to the over 700,000,000 people around the world who don’t have access to safe drinking water.
He came up with the idea of “WOD for Water” to bring together business and fundraising. WOD is a popular acronym in the fitness world that means “workout of the day”. In 2009, IronTribe hosted its first “WOD for Water” to help bring clean water to Haiti after devastating earthquakes struck the nation. It was a huge success and has become an annual fundraiser that has grown exponentially every year.
Neverthirst has partnered with other gyms and individuals around the USA in multiple WOD for Water campaigns since 2009. It has become one of Neverthirst’s best fundraising campaigns to date.
Most recently, WOD for Water sent a group from Alabama to Cambodia to install bio-filtration systems so that the people there can be properly nourished.
The charity is hosting an event in Birmingham on Saturday, August 1 to bring clean water to villages in Asia and Africa. WOD for Water’s workout session will match all the donations made up to a total of $175,000. Currently, Birmingham residents have raised $74,642 and need to raise $100,000 more to reach the company’s goal of a total donation of $350,000.
“It is an honor to be a part of Neverthirst’s mission of bringing fresh water to communities less fortunate all around the world,” said Walden. “This will be our fifth year running WOD for Water in association with NeverThirst. Each year we have raised the bar on fundraising, no pun intended, to a goal of $350,000 at our event in Birmingham on Saturday.”
The event will be hosted rain or shine, and sign-ups and donations can be made at their website here.
A video from last year’s event can be viewed below.
