WINDSOR, ONTARIO - Though this city is the southernmost in Canada — just across the Detroit River from Michigan — it is still 535 miles from Nashville, Tenn. (or 862 kilometers, as Canadians see it).

So, when members of the West Side church in Windsor expressed interest in Healing Hands International’s Walk 4 Water, youth minister Drew Chapados faced a potentially high gas bill.

Healing Hands, a church-supported ministry that ships relief and sponsors development projects around the world, hosts the annual charity event in Nashville to raise awareness of — and funds for — clean water projects. Chapados contacted the ministry about hosting a walk in Windsor. Healing Hands workers responded with enthusiasm, sending the minister information and supplies to help.

A group of 30 Canadians, ranging in ages from 2 to 62, gathered at the West Side church building and made a two-mile trek to the Detroit River and back. The small group raised more than $3,000 for clean water projects. About 200 people participated in the Nashville Walk 4 Water and raised about $12,000.

Chapados’ idea has inspired Healing Hands workers to expand the charity event to other cities. The next Walk 4 Water is scheduled for April 18, 2009.

TO HOST A WALK 4 WATER EVENT, or for more information, see www.walkforwater.org or call (615) 832-2000.