In the tapestry of human endeavor, certain narratives shine with an unwavering brilliance, illuminating the extraordinary potential that resides even within the most unexpected of individuals. The story of Ryan Hreljac, a Canadian boy who, at the tender age of six, was profoundly moved by the plight of children in Africa lacking access to clean water, is one such narrative. His initial childhood concern, sparked by a simple classroom lesson, ignited a spark of resolute determination that would ultimately blossom into a global movement, the Ryan’s Well Foundation, which has brought the fundamental necessity of clean water to over 1.5 million people across the developing world. This is a testament not only to the power of empathy and the unwavering spirit of a child but also to the profound impact that a single individual, driven by a deep sense of justice, can have on the lives of countless others.
Ryan’s remarkable journey began in January 1998, in his Grade One classroom in Canada. As his teacher described the stark realities of life for children in Africa, particularly the devastating fact that some even succumbed to death due to the lack of something as basic as clean drinking water, a deep chord resonated within young Ryan’s heart. The contrast between his own effortless access to clean water – a mere ten steps from his classroom to the nearest drinking fountain – and the dire circumstances faced by children thousands of miles away struck him with a profound sense of injustice. It was this fundamental inequity that propelled him to action. His immediate, innocent question to his teacher – “How much would it cost to bring water to Africa?” – marked the genesis of an extraordinary and enduring commitment. The teacher, with the best of intentions, mentioned WaterCan (now WaterAid Canada), suggesting that a well could be built for around $70.
Upon returning home, Ryan, with the earnestness only a six-year-old possesses, approached his mother, Susan Hreljac, with his newfound mission: he needed $70 to build a well for the children he had learned about. Susan, recognizing the importance of both Ryan’s empathy and the value of hard work, agreed to support his endeavor but made it clear that the money would have to be earned through his own efforts. She assigned him household chores, each carrying a small monetary reward, allowing Ryan to begin his journey of fundraising, one small task at a time. Week by week, Ryan diligently completed his chores, his initial $70 goal fueling his young ambition. Eventually, the determined six-year-old amassed the required sum and, with immense pride, presented it to WaterCan. It was here that Ryan encountered the first significant hurdle in his ambitious project. He learned that the actual cost of drilling a well was not the modest $70 he had painstakingly saved, but a considerably larger sum of $2,000. While Susan acknowledged Ryan’s extraordinary effort, she gently explained that she could not simply provide the remaining funds. For many, this news might have been a disheartening setback, a reason to abandon such a lofty goal. But for Ryan Hreljac, it served only as a temporary pause, a recalibration of his unwavering resolve. He made a solemn promise to WaterCan: he would return with the full $2,000.
Ryan’s commitment did not waver. He expanded his efforts beyond the confines of his own home, undertaking chores for neighbors, his earnestness and heartfelt plea capturing the attention and support of his wider community. His brothers, Chris and Jimmy, inspired by their younger sibling’s unwavering dedication, joined his fundraising efforts. Friends, neighbors, and even his school rallied around Ryan, each contributing their time, effort, and small donations to help him reach his ambitious target. Bake sales were organized, car washes were held, and every small contribution brought Ryan closer to fulfilling his promise. The collective spirit of a community moved by the simple yet profound desire of a child began to gather momentum. Finally, after months of tireless effort and the combined generosity of many, Ryan and his growing team reached their initial $2,000 goal. In January 1999, a tangible result of Ryan’s extraordinary dedication became a reality. The first well funded entirely through his efforts was drilled in a village in northern Uganda, a testament to the power of a single child’s determination to make a difference.
The completion of the well marked not the end, but rather a significant new chapter in Ryan’s journey. His school, deeply inspired by his achievement, decided to become involved, forging a connection with the school located near the newly drilled well in Uganda. This connection led to an even more profound and personal impact on Ryan. Through letters and shared stories, Ryan connected with a young Ugandan boy named Akana. Akana’s daily struggles to attend school, often facing significant obstacles including the arduous task of fetching water for his family, deeply moved Ryan. The stark contrast between Akana’s daily hardships and his own privileged access to education and clean water further solidified Ryan’s commitment. Driven by an empathetic bond with Akana and a growing understanding of the complexities of life in communities lacking basic resources, Ryan made a heartfelt request to his parents: he wanted to travel to Uganda and meet Akana in person.
In the year 2000, Ryan’s wish became a reality. He embarked on a journey to the village in northern Uganda, a trip that would forever alter his perspective and deepen his commitment. Upon his arrival, Ryan was met with a reception that was both overwhelming and deeply humbling. Hundreds of people from the local community lined his path, forming a welcoming corridor, their voices echoing with chants of his name. The sheer scale of the welcome took the young Canadian boy by surprise. “They even know my name?” he asked his guide, his voice filled with genuine astonishment. The guide’s simple reply – “Everyone within 100 kilometers knows” – underscored the profound impact of Ryan’s selfless actions and the deep gratitude of a community whose lives had been so fundamentally improved by his efforts. This firsthand experience, the tangible evidence of the difference his efforts had made, solidified Ryan’s lifelong commitment to the cause of clean water access.
Building upon the foundation laid by his initial fundraising and the profound connection he forged with Akana and the Ugandan community, Ryan, in 2001, took the remarkable step of establishing his own registered Canadian charity: the Ryan’s Well Foundation. What began as the earnest endeavor of a young boy had evolved into a formal organization with a clear and enduring mission: to provide access to clean water, sanitation services, and vital hygiene education to people in developing countries facing the most critical needs. The foundation operates with a clear vision: to build a more equitable world where every individual has access to these fundamental human rights, empowering communities towards greater self-sufficiency and long-term well-being.
Over the ensuing decades, under Ryan’s continued guidance and leadership, the Ryan’s Well Foundation has achieved a truly staggering impact. As of recent reports, the foundation has been instrumental in bringing clean water to over 1.5 million people across 17 developing countries spanning Africa, Central America, and South Asia. This monumental achievement has been realized through the completion of over 1,700 sustainable water projects, including the drilling of new wells, the protection of existing natural springs, and the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems tailored to the specific needs and environmental conditions of each community. Recognizing that access to clean water alone is insufficient to ensure lasting health and well-being, the Ryan’s Well Foundation has also undertaken over 1,300 sanitation projects, constructing essential latrines and promoting hygienic practices to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
The foundation’s approach extends beyond simply providing infrastructure. A core principle of Ryan’s Well is the empowerment of local communities. Recognizing the importance of long-term sustainability, the foundation places a strong emphasis on community education and the training of local individuals to maintain and manage the water and sanitation facilities. This ensures that communities have the skills and knowledge necessary to take ownership of their resources, fostering self-reliance and the enduring impact of the foundation’s work. By working in close partnership with local organizations and community leaders, Ryan’s Well ensures that projects are culturally appropriate, environmentally sustainable, and truly meet the specific needs identified by the communities themselves.
Ryan Hreljac’s extraordinary journey and the profound impact of the Ryan’s Well Foundation have garnered him numerous prestigious awards and widespread recognition. He was the youngest person ever to receive the Order of Ontario, a testament to his early and significant contributions. He has also been awarded the Canadian Meritorious Service Medal, the World of Children Awards (both a Youth Award in 2003 and an Alumni Award in 2016), the Paul Harris Fellow award from Rotary International, and been named a Lifesaver hero by The My Hero Project. His dedication has further been recognized with the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, Planet Africa’s Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award, and Canada’s Volunteer Award for Emerging Leader in 2016. He has also been acknowledged as a UNICEF Global Youth Leader, further amplifying his message and inspiring countless others to take action.
Today, at the age of 33 (as of April 2025), Ryan Hreljac continues to be the driving force behind the Ryan’s Well Foundation. Since 2019, he has served as its Executive Director, providing strategic leadership and overseeing the foundation’s multifaceted operations. He remains actively involved in raising awareness about the global water crisis, speaking at events around the world, and ensuring that the foundation’s work continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact. His unwavering commitment, born from the simple empathy of a six-year-old boy, has blossomed into a lifelong dedication that has brought hope, health, and opportunity to over a million and a half people.
In a world often saturated with narratives of fleeting trends and self-serving pursuits, the enduring story of Ryan Hreljac serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of the extraordinary potential for good that resides within each of us, regardless of age or circumstance. His journey, from a child’s innocent question to the leadership of a global foundation, underscores the profound impact that empathy, determination, and a steadfast commitment to a righteous cause can have on the lives of others. While our daily lives may often be consumed by matters of far lesser consequence, the unwavering dedication of individuals like Ryan Hreljac compels us to reflect on what truly matters and inspires us to consider how we, too, can contribute to making the world a more just and equitable place for all. His is not just a story of providing water; it is a testament to the enduring power of human compassion and the remarkable things that can be achieved when even the smallest of us choose to make a difference.