The Luxco owned Ross & Squibb Distillery, has announced
that it has teamed up with the NFL’s Chris Long, in an initiative to help combat
water scarcity in Kenya.
The Lawrenceburg, Indiana based distillery, which brands
include Remus Bourbon and Rossville Union Rye, are partnering with the Chris
Long Foundation’s Waterboys Initiative, to bring a lasting source of clean,
safe water to a community of 1,600 in arid southern Kenya.
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| Ross & Squibb partners with NFL legend to help combat water scarcity in Kenya |
Sitting atop the Great Miami Buried Valley Aquifer, Ross & Squibb Distillery has benefitted from the abundant clean water the aquifer provides since 1847. Now, Indiana’s oldest distillery wants to show appreciation for this vital resource by helping bring clean water, and the opportunities that come with it, to the community of Oloile in Kenya.
The new water system will change lives. With annual rainfall
of less than 3.5 inches and recent drought lasting up to two years, the Oloile
community has been forced to consume contaminated water from seasonal rivers and
untreated rainwater harvested from roofs, or to drink water from hand-dug
holes. Accessing fresh, clean water will alleviate cases of water-borne disease
and free up residents to grow small gardens or spend time on income-generating
activities rather than searching for drinking water.
Commenting on the news, Shanae Randolph, Marketing
Director-Brands for MGP’s Luxco Branded Spirits, said: “We are honoured to work
with Waterboys and Well Aware to bring life-sustaining water to the Oloile
community. We've always been grateful for the clean water we have in
Lawrenceburg, Indiana and this partnership helps us share that necessity for a
far more important cause."
The project consists of a deep borehole well, elevated water storage and a distribution system to serve the residents of Oloile. The Chris Long Foundation’s Kenya implementing partner, Well Aware, is managing drilling and construction, and expects the new water system to be operational in August.
Posted by Steve Rush