I first came across charity: water two Decembers ago on a hunt for Christmas gifts. They sure do have a captivating site, an inspiring story and many more amazing stories each time I go back.

Collecting water was something my mum told me she did as a child and something I saw in documentaries and read about. Experiencing it first hand a couple months ago in Ghana was eye-opening. It was great where we were that there was access to wells and clean water but the kids I met and got to know still had to spend so much time collecting water each day. It takes the boy in the photo above five trips to the well to fill just one of the water barrels outside his home. Clean running water truly is a gift and something I try to remember to be thankful for daily.

Almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. Every day, 5,000 kids die from water-related illnesses before they reach their fifth birthday. It doesn't have to be that way.

I sometimes celebrate my birthday on November third (thx JLo) but I mostly prefer March eleventh...which means it's coming up. Will you join me in donating to charity: water and give clean water to people who need it?

100% of every dollar raised will directly fund water projects around the world, and when those projects are complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the impact made. Maps will be involved : ) ...enticing no?

much love and thanks,
s