Montreal-area teen visits Kenya to see wells he helped build from home
A teenager from Dorval, Que. has returned from a trip to Kenya, a trip over a decade in the making.
Joshua Morin-Surette learned about the importance of clean water when he was seven years old.
Since then, he's dedicated his free time to raising money to build wells in Kenya.
In March, he got to see the fruits of his labour for the first time ever.
"It was pretty great," he said. "We're kind of talking about how it was a very humbling experience."
One of his mothers, Cori-Ann Surette, accompanied Morin-Surette on his trip to Kenya.
"The people were just amazing and welcoming everywhere we went," said Surette.
The duo travelled to Kaka-Mega for two and a half weeks to visit the three wells they've funded and meet the people they've helped for over a decade.
"They were really happy to see us," said Morin-Surette. "We were happy to see them."
Two of the wells are located at schools and the pair said it was inspiring to hear stories about the importance of clean water.
"One of the principals was talking about the attendance at school and how the students are not getting sick as as frequently as they were with cholera and typhoid and things like that," said Surette.
The two are already planning future fundraising opportunities.
"I do want to try a lot harder and it has motivated me quite a bit to put more time and more energy into, into making another 1, 2, 10 wells happen," said Morin-Surette.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW What a wildfire survivor says she regrets not grabbing before leaving home
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.
World No. 1 golfer charged with police officer assault before PGA Championship second round
World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested and charged with the assault of a police officer in what he called a 'chaotic situation' before being released in time to start his second round at the PGA Championship on Friday.
WATCH Infectious disease expert warns measles 'a very real threat'
A Canadian epidemiologist is warning the measles presents a 'very real threat' to public health if Canada doesn't maintain a high vaccination rate.
Judge considers dismissing indictment against Alec Baldwin in fatal shooting of cinematographer
A New Mexico judge is considering Alec Baldwin's request to dismiss a grand jury indictment against him at a virtual court hearing Friday.
An airplane passenger was spotted in an overhead bin. This was the reaction
Airplane overhead compartments. Home to luggage of all shapes and sizes, the odd coat or two, several duty-free bags, a fair bit of dust and… passengers?
LIVE @ 11:30 MT Four 1970s homicides linked to serial killer, Alberta Mounties to reveal Friday
A dead serial sexual offender and killer has been linked to four homicides in the 1970s in Alberta, RCMP say.
With today's high rates, should you consider an interest-free halal mortgage?
A halal mortgage complies with the Islamic religious, or Shariah, law, which forbids the use of 'riba' (interest). Here's what mortgage experts say those considering 'no-interest' halal mortgages should know.
Top whisky, rum and gin brands could pull products from LCBO amid pricing dispute
A group that represents a long list of spirit brands is warning that some popular products could be pulled from the Ontario market amid a multi-million dollar dispute with the LCBO.
4 dead after Houston storms cause widespread damage, major blackouts
Power outages could last weeks in parts of Houston after thunderstorms with hurricane-force winds tore through the city, an official said Friday, knocking out electricity to nearly 1 million homes and businesses.