I’ve had some incredible birthday celebrations. I want my 23rd to be the best one yet.

Living in Thailand, I’ve come to appreciate the true value of clean, safe drinking water. I can’t drink the water in my apartment. Despite being processed at an acceptable water treatment facility, the municipality of Bangkok cannot guarantee the safety of the piping used to get it to my sink. Consequently, I buy water from a reverse-osmosis/UV light dispensary that is about 70 meters from my apartment. I fill two, 10L jugs once a week in order to satisfy my drinking water needs.

I’m lucky. I can say that every single day of the past 23 years I’ve had easy access to clean, safe drinking water. Every single day.

There are 1 BILLION people who will mark their birthdays this year without being able to say the same. I want to do something, albeit minuscule, to change that.

I’ve spent 22 birthdays concentrated on me and I’m over it. I am blessed in every way imaginable. I need nothing.

This year, I am asking for the simplest of gifts: Water. By donating $23 to Charity:Water you are giving clean, safe drinking water to one person for 23 years.

I’m thirsty to spread a gift that I have always taken for granted. Are you?