Charity: Water

What’s really good people?

I guess it is truly March Madness For REAL! The weather outside is already in the 80s here in the DMV and top seeds in the NCAA Basketball tournament are already dropping like flies in the annual David versus Goliath spring classic. Another thing that has me pumped at the moment is the new features and profiles I have lined up on my blogspot in the coming weeks. Kicking things off this week is the work being done by the organization Charity: Water. I believe this is a very thoughtful and selfless initiative worthy of more attention. Let’s Go!    

OK people; let me get focused…

Something I cherish through my blogging every week is the opportunity to raise awareness and provide additional insight on topics and issues that typically get overlooked and require on-going discussions in hopes of identifying practicable solutions. When it comes to Nigeria and the entire continent of Africa as a whole, the never ending water crisis remains an issue for the world’s second largest and second most populous continent.

Legend has it that as far back as early ancient times, African tribes fought primarily about two things; one was cattle and the other was WATER. The United Nations Environment Program found that most Africans residing in rural areas use, on average, only 30-40 liters of water per day for domestic consumption. In comparison, the average United States consumer uses approximately 700 liters of water per day.

My childhood in Nigeria consisted of several hurdles my family dealt with daily when it came to accessing safe water and adequate sanitation. I still recall fetching for water and walking miles on top of miles to store enough water in our household whenever the power went out and the water well became inoperable. Now that I am in my adult years, I at times still find it very difficult to see water running for no apparent reason from a faucet and not want to just SCREAM out loud as I know first hand the significance and value of consuming a milliliter drop of clean water. 

March 22, 2012 is World Water Day I recently reached out to Charity: Water, a non-profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries. Charity: Water was founded in 2006 by Scott Harrison who came up with a refreshing concept of ‘giving up’ his birthday and asked loved ones to donate to the water cause instead of buying presents. In five years, the premise continues to grow and gain momentum as more than 100,000 supporters have raised over $14 million to fundraise for clean water projects on mycharitywater.org. How can you contribute and make a Difference?

$5,000.00 = Average Cost of a Clean Water for a Village

Sponsor a water project by doing it as a family, or in the name of a loved one. Then, use one of the personalized cards to share the message.

$20 Can Give One Person Access to Clean Water

The other way to make a contribution is by giving up your birthday, running a race, shave your moustache…grow a moustache! You can do anything to fundraise for water. Learn about how you can start an online campaign by going to www.mycharitywater.org.

On World Water Day, go to www.charitywater.org/birthdays and pledge to give up your Birthday! 

100% of public donations directly fund water project costs. All staff and operating costs are covered by a group of private donors so every dollar you give goes to people in need. For more information please visit www.charitywater.org or email info@charitywater.org.

You too can do something.