As a mompreneur and the founder of Luminesque Dance, I’ve always believed in women's power to change the world. Through dance, I’ve seen many reclaim their confidence, voices, and sense of sovereignty. It’s beautiful to see the change created in the world, by those empowered through our programs. But as I look at the world beyond our studios and stages, I’m struck by the countless women and children who are held back from reaching their potential, simply because they don’t have access to something as basic as clean water. While this happens across the globe, it even happens in our own country.

The water crisis is staggering. Over 771 million people worldwide (1 in 10) lack access to clean drinking water. In many areas, the burden of finding water falls on women and young girls, who walk hours every day to fetch water from unsafe sources. That’s time stolen from education, from work, and from simply living. Worse, the water they collect often makes their families sick, perpetuating cycles of poverty and struggle.

Earlier this month I had the absolute privilege of hearing a talk from Scott Harrison, the founder of charity: water. He truly moved me with stories of how he desired to make massive change in the world, and followed through by creating what I believe is the most transparent and valuable model for being able to get fundraising money directly where it’s needed. As I learned about the work that charity: water is doing, I knew I had to get involved. Scott and his team are determined to solve the water crisis by funding sustainable, community-led water projects around the world. Every single dollar raised goes directly to building wells, rainwater catchments, and filtration systems—projects that transform entire communities.

What touches me most is the ripple effect clean water creates. For women, clean water means freedom. It means they can spend their days building businesses, raising their children, and leading their communities. For children, clean water means health, education, and the chance to dream big. It’s a foundation for a better life. In Scott’s tal, I got to hear about individual stories like Helen, who spent multiple decades spending hours each day collecting 10 gallons of water to divvy up within her family. For reference - the average American family uses 400 gallons per day. She constantly put herself last for both health and sanitation and prioritized her family over and over again. Finally, a sustainable clean water source was created in her community and in just days, she was able to change her entire life and the life of her family. In a video I got to watch of this extraordinary woman, she said “I am happy now. I have time to eat, my children can go to school. And I can even work in my garden, take a shower and then come back for more water if I want! I am bathing so well… Now, I am beautiful.” This woman with the most beautiful heart finally could see the beauty on the outside, when she was able to feel clean and nourished.

I also heard about the story of Rachel Beckwith who just before her ninth birthday, learned that kids on the other side of the planet were spending more time walking to find and collect dirty water than they were in school, and she decided to help. Instead of birthday gifts that year, she asked her family and friends to donate $9 to her fundraising campaign. She wanted to raise $300 — enough to bring clean water to 10 kids in need but she fell short of her goal, raising $220. Rachel’s mom assured her it was good enough, and that she could try again for her next birthday. Unfortunately, before that birthday could come, a tragic accident took Rachel’s life. Her family decided to share her birthday wish with their community to honour her legacy, and the story of Rachel went viral and moved thousands of people. Today Rachel’s fundraiser has raised over 3 million dollars and supported getting clean water to over 100,000 people across the world. Rachel reminded us that there’s good in all of us. That every single person on this planet has the opportunity to change lives.

So today, I’m asking for your help. Together, we can raise funds to bring clean water to communities that need it most. Every $40 raised can provide clean water to one person for life. Imagine the impact we could create if we each contributed just a little.

It’s my 39th birthday this month and while many love to give gifts and celebrate with me, instead I am asking for a simple donation. Take the money you would use to buy me a drink, or send a gift, and put it where it can really make a difference. In December of 2024, all donations to charity: water will be tripled by a private family, so even a small amount of money will go such a long way!

My birthday wish is that we all take a step toward a world where every woman and child has the opportunity to thrive. Join me in making that vision a reality.

Let’s bring clean water - and with it, hope - to those who need it most.

With endless love and gratitude,
Vanessa Lalonde