When eleven CFL players traveled to the Mahoo community in Taveta, Kenya, they weren’t just stepping off the field, they were stepping into a story of resilience, hope and transformation. Known for their strength and determination on the field, these athletes found themselves humbled by the challenges faced by the Mahoo community, where clean water is a daily struggle. The trip was part of the Rhythms of Change campaign, a partnership between the CFL and World Vision Canada, aimed at bringing sustainable water solutions to communities without reliable access to water.
Taveta, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, is a place where water scarcity significantly impacts daily life. Families walk up to 20 kilometers every day to fetch water from contaminated ponds shared with livestock and wildlife. The toll is immense, children miss school, waterborne illnesses are rampant, and the time spent collecting water leaves little room for anything else. For the players, walking alongside these families was a humbling experience. Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ running back Brady Oliveira, known for breaking tackles and grinding out yards, reflected on the physical and emotional weight of carrying water “It’s one thing to hear about it, but another to feel it. The strength it takes to do this every day is incredible.”
The players weren’t just there to observe, they were there to connect. They carried water, listened to stories and witnessed the impact of water scarcity firsthand. At Mahoo Primary School, which serves 836 students, they learned how the lack of clean water affects education. Without taps on campus, children often miss class to help their families collect water, and basic hygiene is a luxury. The idea of classrooms sitting empty because students are out fetching water was a stark contrast to the packed stadiums the players are used to. It was a reminder of how something as simple as clean water can change everything.
The Rhythms of Change campaign is about more than just water, it’s about hope and opportunity. With the support of CFL fans and World Vision Canada, the campaign is delivering a real, tangible solution. A solar-powered borehole will provide clean water at a rate of 20 liters per minute, while a 150 cubic meter elevated tank will supply water to the school and surrounding areas. A one-kilometer pipeline will connect the communities of Mahoo A and Mahoo B, eliminating dangerous treks, and new community taps will be managed by locals trained by World Vision to ensure sustainability. These changes will create opportunities for families to focus on education, health and building a better future.
For the players, the trip was a chance to see the power of teamwork in a new light. They arrived in Taveta as competitors, but they left as teammates united by a shared mission. From coast to coast, CFL fans are joining the huddle and turning their team pride into fundraising power, proving that the CFL community’s loyalty extends far beyond the scoreboard. This movement isn’t just about donations, it’s about connection and the belief that together, we can make a difference.
In Taveta, the final whistle isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of a brighter future. Over 3,000 lives will be transformed with clean, reliable water. Daily treks of up to 40 kilometers will be erased, and 374 households will be empowered to manage their own water systems. The CFL is proving that when we come together, we can achieve something extraordinary. Every donation, every share, and every cheer brings Mahoo one step closer to victory. Together, we can help bring clean water to Taveta and turn every drop into a win for the whole community.