We may be having many April showers bringing us lots of May flowers here in DFW, but an abundance of fresh water isn’t reality for many communities across the globe, or even here in the United States.
This month, we’ve teamed up again with Paper for Water as our Community Partner to help bolster their mission of raising awareness of the global water crisis.
Through multiple different avenues like our massive Freedom to Play origami installation over our ice-skating rink, a community Water Walk, and our informative Gallery Wall, we’re taking every opportunity we can to maximize assistance for Paper for Water to provide one of life’s most basic necessities to people far and wide.
We connected with two of the talented founders, Katherine and Isabelle Adams, to discuss more about Paper for Water's mission and all that they have accomplished.
How did Paper for Water first begin?
Paper for Water started as a one-month project when I was five and Isabelle was eight. We had recently learned about the world water crisis from a neighbor and knew we wanted to help young girls and boys attend school instead of hauling water. However, we had no intention of starting a large nonprofit organization; it was going to just be a small pop-up at our local Starbucks, where we took donations for some origami creations we had accumulated over the months. -Katherine Adams
What inspired you both, at such a young age, to take action—and to do so as siblings?
I love this question because Paper for Water has truly been a family project from the beginning. Being co-CEOs of a nonprofit organization together as sisters has been such a unique and fulfilling experience. I laugh about it now, but when we were younger, I remember sometimes having a sibling squabble or argument, and then we would have to forget all about it in minutes to get up on stage and give a speech or go into a meeting together. I think it tested and strengthened our relationship and also gave me a lot of respect for my sister. I feel incredibly lucky to lead this organization with her. -Katherine Adams
What do you hope people understand about the global water crisis?
I hope people learn that the global water crisis is not just an issue in some countries halfway around the world; it is an issue in our own country, in our own backyards. More than 2 million Americans live without access to clean water and sanitation. The global water crisis can be daunting because of its scale and nature, but if everyone does a little, it can all add up to meaningful, life-changing impact. -Katherine Adams
What are some of Paper for Water’s global accomplishments that your team is most proud of?
I am most proud of our Change Makers, who are a group of dedicated youth volunteers. Paper for Water, at its core, has always been about kids helping kids. The ability to have a group of youth volunteers who not only care deeply about our mission but are also willing to take action to raise funds and awareness is truly a gift. They routinely think outside the box and inspire me. -Katherine Adams
How does your organization fund and support water projects today?
We primarily raise money through donations for our origami ornaments and sponsorships for our large-scale installations. We also receive grants and donations from generous individuals and corporations. -Katherine Adams
Can you walk us through what parents and their kids will experience when they join the Water Walk?
We host our annual water walk to give kids and parents a small taste of what millions of people around the world experience every day. Everyone will have a chance to carry water and learn facts about the world water crisis. And of course, they will also learn about the work that Paper for Water is doing to help solve the water crisis. We also have lots of fun activities for all ages! -Isabelle Adams
What is the “Freedom to Play” installation at Galleria Dallas—and what inspired it?
This installation was inspired by the kids from communities where we have built water projects. Every single time we have had the opportunity to visit communities around the world, we find kids having fun and playing soccer together. There is not much in common between these places, but a love of soccer is something that connects almost the whole world. We also know that much of the burden of the water crisis falls on kids. But kids deserve to go to school and play rather than walk for water. Freedom to Play embodies this idea, that clean water gives kids the ability to just be a kid, and not worry about getting sick from dirty water or hauling water instead of playing. Of course, we are also inspired by this year’s World Cup, and we want to bring together the world's biggest sport and the most fundamental need: clean water. -Isabelle Adams
Why is soccer such a powerful symbol for the communities you serve?
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, without question. There are billions of people who love watching and playing the game. And unlike many sports, all you need to play is your feet and a ball. This means that kids all over the world can join in. For many of the communities we serve, soccer is the go-to game for both kids and adults, and every time we visit a new water project, we always join in on a pick-up game. Even if we can’t speak the same language, we all love the same game. -Isabelle Adams
If you could design a “dream day of play” for kids in the communities you serve, what would it look like?
“Dream day of play” for kids around the world would mean having the freedom to choose how they want to play. When hours of the day are spent hauling water, there is little to no free time left. However, when those hours are gained back by having safe, accessible water, the opportunities are endless. There is no one perfect day, but what matters the most is having the time and freedom to play like a kid and do things for enjoyment rather than necessity alone. -Katherine Adams
How can local families and our readers support Paper for Water right now?
Come to the Water Walk! We are so excited to be hosting it at the Galleria again this year. It’s going to be a great event, and we hope everyone can come learn about the water crisis. And come to the shopping center to see the installation. It’s a perfect thing to do this summer. Lastly, visit our website or follow us on social media to learn more about Paper for Water and keep up to date with the work we are doing. -Isabelle Adams
The Freedom to Play installation will be up on display over the ice rink through September 2026.
