International (MNN) — What do wedding rings and water wells
have in common? It's Living Water
International and a partnering ministry called "With This Ring."
By working together,
they have brought clean drinking water to some 20,000 Africans.
Couples from around the country donate their wedding and
engagement rings to WTR to convert into fresh water wells.
It's a fairly simple process. Rings donated by couples will be sold to
those seeking to participate in the cause by purchasing them.
WTR's Web site walks a donor through it step-by-step. Essentially, a potential donor takes the ring
to a jeweler to get it appraised. There's an IRS donation form on their Web site. Then, after filling it out,
send the jewelry in to WTR along with the appraisal, appraiser's signature and
the IRS form.
From there, they put it on the auction block. This year, Valentine's Day Ring Auction
proceeds go to LWI to rebuild wells destroyed by the earthquake in Haiti. By
providing clean water, teams can also share the "living water" of the
Gospel. The auction will be open until
February 9 and can be accessed here.
People are encouraged to share their own story of making
grand gestures on the With This
Ring blog and also to consider purchasing a ring as an act of radical
generosity for their loved one and for the people of Haiti.
Is this still going? I would like to donate my wedding ring & engagement ring. I live in New Zealand. Is this possible?