Every day, 1,400 kids under the age of 5 die from water-related illnesses.

Today is my birthday. Normally, I would not ask people to give me presents on Facebook- however, I will be making an exception this year. I am asking friends and family a favor for my 17th birthday: instead of buying me a present, please help me fundraise for charity : water.

Back in Kenya, I met a lanky five-year-old boy with E-Coli, who wouldn't even care that he was ill, as long as he could get his hands on some source of water. I am not sure how deeply (, or why at all) seeing him affected me, but as I realized that our daily 5-minute-showers that consumed 60L of water were equivalent to 20-days-worth of water for an average adult, I learned that things didn't have to be this way. There are simple solutions like drilled wells, spring protections and BioSand filters that help provide clean water to communities around the world.

100% of the money will be used to build clean water projects, and when they’re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped. I will be posting photos for those of you interested.

I know that my donation will not change things in the long-run, neither will it impact an entire community in a groundbreaking manner (especially given how I, too, oftentimes let my tap run mindlessly). However, I want to make a difference- no matter how small- this year by attempting to provide at least some with clean water to drink this holiday season, from the comfort of my house.
And I was hoping you could do the same.

I apologize if this message seems a bit 'out-of-place' for Facebook (I feel that way as well!). However, it is an issue that really matters to me, and any type of (anonymous or non-anonymous) donation - very small or big- will be of tremendous help. Thank you so SO much for reading this far, and thank you again if you have decided to donate.

*Note: I know that it says I haven't donated yet, but it's because my parents are asleep and they have credit cards. I will do so ASAP!