My birthday is around the corner. Recently, I had a few friends asked me what I wanted for my 18th birthday. Honestly, I couldn't answer them because I'm not the type of girl who asks for certain things. After seeing the iPhone 5C ad, I thought that I wanted one of those. But at the end of the day, what is the point? I already have an iPhone 4. I already have more than I need. I'm so lucky to have had a great education and to have easy access to medicine (not just because my Dad is my GP!).

So for my 18th, I’m asking all my friends and family to donate to charity: water and give clean water to people who need it, instead of giving me gifts. I consider this NGO close to my heart, having attended Harvard Model UN earlier this year and my committee alone raised $862.54 USD and all the committees altogether raising $10479, exceeding our initial target of $10000 USD (http://my.charitywater.org/hmun-2013). The theme of the conference was Water Development and I got so much out of the conference and came out of it a more confident person. So what better way to celebrate my 18th than to have gratitude?

Did you know that 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. 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've recommended that everyone donates $18 USD, because I'm turning 18. But in all honesty, I don't mind if you donate a few dollars or even a few cents. But I would really appreciate it if you could help me make this birthday my best ever -- donate to my campaign! Remember, $20 USD gives 1 person access to clean water but even just $1 will yield $12 in economic returns.

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.