On 19th October, I'm turning 29. Which means next year I will be 30.

At first, this seemed surreal, even daunting.

But then I found out that millions of people don't live to see their 5th birthday. And why? Because they didn't have access to clean, safe water.

So I'm not scared of turning 29 anymore. In fact, I'm celebrating my birthday like never before. So this year instead of cutting a cake and sharing it with you, or going out for dinner with you, or having a big celebration, I am celebrating the power of giving. With you.

I'm asking for $29 from everyone I know - and every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund freshwater wells in developing nations. Even better, every dollar is "proved" when the projects are complete, and photos and GPS coordinates are posted using Google Earth.

My goal is to raise $5000 by the end of this year, Dec 31, 2010. Thats when all the money will be put to use for the next project. And we can make a difference. Donate $29, or whatever amount you wish...I thank you from the bottom of my heart.