What is Paper for Water?
The local nonprofit, Paper for Water, was founded for the sole purpose of providing clean water to those who go without. The basis of this organization is to meet one of the most essential human needs of having access to drinkable water by funding water wells across the globe, originally by raising funds obtained through the sales of paper ornaments, and now, having expanded upon that foundation, by engaging in community partnership, gathering sponsorship donations, and establishing education programs.
How did Paper for Water get started?
In 2011, two young sisters, Isabelle and Katherine, learned the staggering statistic that every 15 seconds a child was dying from unclean water in the world, and on top of that, millions of other girls just like them were made to travel several miles a day on foot to collect drinkable water for their families instead of attending school. Instead of just experiencing a moment of sympathy for those who have been dealt a less fortunate hand in life, Isabelle and Katherine got to work in doing what they could to make a difference. The early stages of Paper for Water began as hand-made origami Christmas ornaments were sold to gain funds for their movement and quickly captured the attention and hearts of their community, collecting volunteers and expanding their initiative beyond a small holiday pastime.
Over the past 14 years, millions of dollars have been raised to provide water wells and water sanitation projects in over 20 countries, as well as right here at home in the United States. The founders, who are now young women, have spoken about their foundation at public events, lead leadership programs, and travelled across the world to aid the communities they have been supporting with their efforts. Paper for Water is now a family business, with the girls’ parents, Deborah and Ken, joining in to maximize the nonprofit’s success, allowing for an expanded breadth of what can be accomplished - all stemming from paper ornaments and a compassion for others.
Paper for Water at Galleria Dallas
The partnership between Paper for Water and Galleria Dallas was originally formed back in 2018, with their first paper installation, “From Fold to Flight,” over the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Rink. That breathtaking display featured beautiful origami butterflies in rainbow-resembling shades of pinks, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues.
Now, seven years later, Paper for Water’s origami masterpiece is back here at Galleria Dallas with a new creative vision that shines bright over our ice. The “Folding the Future” installation is made up of 250 large, hand-folded origami stars in various spring shades of pink, yellow, and orange. With the support of volunteers and both the Paper for Water and Galleria Dallas teams, the stunning stars were brought to the skate center and hoisted up over the ice without a hitch. Visitors will have the opportunity to ice skate under this gorgeous display through the remainder of the spring and throughout the summer until they come down on September 7.
Along with the “Folding the Future” visual attraction, Galleria Dallas shoppers can learn about Paper for Water by visiting their Gallery Wall on Level 1, near Sephora. Their mural highlights the global water crisis, the heart behind Paper for Water, as well as its impact on the people in those communities and how we here in North Texas can provide support.
How can I help support Paper for Water?
If you’re soaking up Paper for Water’s vision and are ready to dip your toes in the water to support their mission, there are several ways to get started! To symbolize the long journey’s many have to make to get clean water in communities with little to no access, Paper for Water is hosting a Water Walk on April 26 here at Galleria Dallas, where the community will carry water jugs on a two mile walk throughout the center, with tickets to the walk serving as a fundraiser.
Outside of the Water Walk, the organization has several opportunities to volunteer through their website, including hosting your own Water Walk, hosting your own origami socials, becoming an ambassador, creating a gift fair, to name a few. If you’re looking to scale up your impact, Paper for Water also provides giving avenues for company donations, corporate partnerships, rewards programs, and steps to starting a fundraiser.
Are you ready to make a splash in your community with Paper for Water?
