Rowing for Change: How One Teen is Turning Cardio into a Force for Good

What if your daily workout could help change the world? For high school student John Zhang from Washington State, this isn’t just a hypothetical – it’s a mission. Through his unique fundraising initiative, John is using his passion for rowing to raise funds for poverty alleviation, proving that anyone can make an impact by leveraging their skills, network, and creativity.

A Spark of Inspiration

John’s journey toward making a difference sprang up from an unexpected source: a hurricane in Florida. The devastation left behind made him want to help, but as a student-athlete, he also found himself wondering whether he would still be able to compete at Youth Nationals which were planned to take place in Florida. The connection between sport and service clicked.

“I had the idea to propose using an erg [rowing machine] to exercise in exchange for donations, similar to the fundraisers I’d participated in during elementary school,” John explains. 

John’s fundraiser centers on providing underserved global communities access to clean water and sanitation, a cause that resonates deeply with him. “Clean water is something I take for granted every single day. I especially drink it daily at practice and I row in water that’s safe to swim in, yet so many people don’t have access.”

Turning Passion into Impact

The idea behind John’s initiative is simple but powerful: connect cardiovascular exercise—specifically rowing—to fundraising. Using social media to reach a broad audience, he plans to pledge an amount of rowing for every dollar donated.

“The concept was inspired by the fundraisers I participated in as a kid, combined with a random thought that popped into my head,” he says. “I shared the idea with a friend, and he helped me refine it and think about ways to make it even bigger.”

Overcoming Challenges

Launching a fundraising campaign while balancing the demands of high school isn’t easy. John faced two major challenges: first, committing to taking that initial leap of faith, and second, managing his time.

“It was hard believing that if I worked hard enough, it could actually pay off,” he admits. “Now, I don’t worry about that as much. But finding the time to dedicate to this project is still a challenge. I want to invest as much time as possible, but it’s not easy maintaining good grades and a decent sleep schedule.”

His solution? Learning to budget his time more effectively and prioritizing this initiative during school breaks and weekends.

A Community of Support

John’s vision has already gained momentum with support from his friends and family. “My friends have been really helpful in brainstorming ways to grow, and my family has been incredibly supportive, offering ideas and encouragement.”

While he’s still building awareness, John’s determination to make an impact is unwavering. He hopes that more athletes and individuals will join him in fundraising for various causes in the future.

Advice for Aspiring Changemakers

For those who want to take action but aren’t sure where to start, John offers simple but practical advice: set aside one distraction-free day and just begin.

“I went to my local library, sat down, and spent a few hours researching and brainstorming. Just that single day helped me get my feet off the ground.”

He emphasizes that even small actions can make a difference. “Looking through the extensive projects funded by One Day’s Wages, I was amazed at how people donating just one paycheck have made life-changing impacts. Many donors might not even notice the amount missing from their bank account, but for someone in need, that money is everything.”

The Future of Rowing for Change

John isn’t stopping here. He hopes to turn his initiative into an ongoing movement, rallying athletes to raise funds for different causes beyond poverty alleviation, such as disaster relief and medical support.

“I want to build a team of athletes who want to be part of the change,” he says. “Right now, I’m focused on poverty, but I’d love to expand our efforts to support people facing all kinds of challenges.”

John Zhang’s story is a powerful reminder that anyone—no matter their age—can make a difference. Whether you’re an athlete, an artist, a musician, or an entrepreneur, your skills and passions can be transformed into a force for good.

You can learn more about John’s fundraiser by following him on Instagram @werowtohelp and more about One Day’s Wages commitment to clean water here. Interested in starting your own fundraiser, let us know!