As featured in the April 2 edition of the Redmond Reporter, the Old Fire House Teen Center now has a Girls Group, which discusses current issues and explores ways to empower women both locally and globally.

On April 19, the Girls Group held a benefit event for Carry 5 and Water 1st International, organizations which address water equity in developing nations.

Girls and women are especially impacted by the lack of clean water, because it’s their responsibility to collect and carry water and boil it to make it safe for drinking. They spend up to five hours daily on these tasks, missing out on opportunities such as going to school.

Along with support from the Eastside Leadership Institute, individuals and local businesses, the Girls Group raised $2,000 that will go to Water 1st International and the Carry 5 Walk taking place May 31 in Seattle’s Seward Park.

The walk is open to all ages and genders. Students or adults who would like to be involved should contact Water 1st’s educational outreach coordinator, Anne Hollar at annhollar@msn.com. Information is also available at www.water1st.org or www.carry5.org.

The Girls Group meets at the Old Fire House Teen Center, 16510 NE 79th St. every Saturday from 5-6 p.m. with Rana Shmait as the staff facilitator.

For information, call (425) 556-2370 or e-mail rshmait@redmond.gov.