Every day, 1,400 kids under the age of 5 die from water-related illnesses. Friends, together we can help save them.

My birthday is around the corner. If you know me, you know how much I absolutely hate asking for things, especially for my birthday. This year I've decided to make an exception. I'm asking my beautiful friends and family to donate to charity: water and give clean water to those who need it, instead of giving me gifts.

Almost a billion people on the planet don't have access to clean drinking water. Every day, 1,400 kids die from water-related illnesses before they reach their fifth birthday. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are simple solutions like drilled wells, spring protections and BioSand filters that help provide clean water to communities around the world.

I have three nephews who are healthy and full of energy. They give me the greatest happiness and I love seeing them learn and grow every day. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like for them to have to worry about one of the biggest things we, here in NZ, take for granted every day - the ability to turn on the tap and access clean water. Sadly, for some families that is their reality. We have the opportunity to potentially change the course of many lives with a simple donation.

100% of every dollar you donate to my birthday campaign will be used to build clean water projects in developing countries. charity: water funds their operating costs separately through a group of private donors, so 100% of all public donations will go directly to people in need.

Help me make this birthday my best ever - please donate to my campaign.

Thank you for your time and generosity my friend,
Lona.