Norman High School Senior's Hydro-Powered Philanthropy

When it came to philanthropy, Griffin Storm did more than just dip his toe in the water.

“It just felt like there was something that I could do to help people that don’t have clean water," said Griffin, the Norman Water Club's founder.

Inspired by a book he read about the global water crisis, the Norman High School senior started the Norman Water Club in the fall of 2019, which today is 50 members strong.

Last semester the club was flooded with donations, raising $17,000 for charitywater.org, all of which goes to clean water projects in underdeveloped countries.

People without access to clean water have to carry Jerrycans, and they are heavy. This one weighs about 40 pounds, and these people are walking an average of four miles a day just to get water that isn’t even clean, it’s contaminated water.

“We don’t even think that we have clean water just at the turn of a faucet," said Griffin.

One of the club’s fundraisers was to have Norman High students carry around the Jerrycan all day at school asking for donations.

“People were moved by the cause and especially moved by how hard it was just to pick that thing up.”

It’s a staggering but true number, 785 million people don’t have clean water, and 3.4 million people die every year from water-related illnesses.

This semester, the club’s goal is to raise $40,000.

It’s been growing through osmosis. Norman North started a sister club recently.

With 100 members now between the two schools, there will be no drought in donations when Griffin graduates this spring.

“I think it goes to show that this generous isn’t a lost cause, we want to change the world,” he said.