A few years ago, when I first learned about the global water crisis, it really changed my outlook on a lot of things. In our country, and in most wealthy countries, access to basic needs such as food and water is common place. In fact many of us enjoy a multitude of luxuries. It is almost impossible to imagine a life where clean water is not readily available. However, this is not the case around the world. 633 million people globally do not have access to clean drinking water. That is twice the population of the United States!!

So, as with past birthdays, I am donating my birthday to Charity Water, and asking family and friends to join my campaign with the hope of providing as many people as possible with clean, accessible drinking water. When I first donated my birthday four years ago, the amount of people living without clean drinking water was almost a billion. These numbers have dropped dramatically which demonstrates that people are making a big difference through small contributions. This is a solvable crisis!

Clean drinking water is essential to life. Millions of people (mainly women and young girls) spend hours each day walking, collecting, and transporting unsanitary water to bring back to their families. This water is often contaminated and can potentially cause diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Diseases caused by dirty water kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war! Providing clean drinking water for people saves lives and provides opportunities such as education and employment! Children -especially girls - have the opportunity to go to school when they don't have to spend their days collecting water. Additionally the amount of money saved in medical costs can be spent on many more productive things.

Clean water is essential to life. Together we can work toward solving this water crisis and positively change the lives of many.

Please join with me and help solve the water crisis either by donating or spreading the word! Every donation makes a difference!

100% of public donations to Charity:water goes right to the cause.