Hillary's Campaign for Water

I think I was first really exposed to the world water crisis through Advent Conspiracy (AC), about 17 or 18 years ago. Here we are, almost two decades later, and still this issue hasn't been resolved. Back then, it was estimated that one tenth of what Americans spend on Christmas each year would be enough to provide clean drinking water for everyone in the world. Just one tenth (we Americans spend roughly 450 billion dollars a year on all things Christmas).

So many great organizations such as The Water Project have sprung up (pun intended!) over the past couple of decades and are working tirelessly to heed the day when every person on this planet has easy access to safe drinking water. I don't want this day to come before I die, I want it to be a reality now!

Clean water is more than just a health crisis causing tens of thousands of infant deaths each year. It is also a primary reason myriads of young girls around the world aren't in school. They and their moms spend a significant portion of every day walking multiple kilometers to collect water from contaminated sources for their families drink. Other kids who are in school fall behind when they are regularly getting sick from this unsafe water.

Clean and easily accessible water is something I have never had to think twice about. I've never wondered, "is this water going to make me sick?". I don't think any parent should have to wonder if their child might get sick from the water they are giving them, or to wrestle with the idea that maybe their child died because of the unclean water they drank.

You and I can make a difference. Today. Right now.

Every donation helps.

I chose to start this campaign with The Water Project for a few reasons. One of which is their high-level rating as a 4-star charity that is known for its transparency and efficient use of funds. They also partner with locals in the communities they are helping and have multiple means of following up on finished projects to ensure their long-term success.

Every project is thoroughly documented and regular updates are sent out so donors can see exactly where their money has gone and at what phase the project is currently at.

World Water Day is March 22nd. My goal is, with the help of friends and family like you, we can fund one entire project (approx. $6,000) by the end of March.

Here are some ideas for how you can participate: give up a Starbucks drink a week or donate a buck for each soda you drink in the month of March. You could set aside a set amount per day for each day of the month or if you run or bike or skateboard... or whatever your favorite mode of transportation is, you could give a dollar for each mile you walk/run/ride/climb/roll... during the month of March. Be creative! Involve your friends, kids, extended family, co-workers, youth group, Scout troop or whoever it is you hangout with (even if only online for the time being).

Everyone should have access to clean water.

I don't want to just believe this but I want to do my part in doing something about it.

There are many things in this life that cause us to worry.

Water shouldn't be one of them.

I hope you'll consider joining me to fund a water project. With your gifts and your help rallying support, we can provide clean, safe and reliable water to a community in Africa.

Love,

Hillary