Hey Everyone!
My name is Michal Arad and I am turning 17 this May. Throughout the years, especially this one, I have become exposed to information about the world through my teachers, family, friends and the media. This has allowed me to thoroughly reflect upon myself and the decisions I make. Grateful for what I have, I still recognize that not everyone lives with the same circumstances.

In our world today, there are nearly 1 billion people without clean drinking water. Women and children around the world walk hours every day to collect water for their families. 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.

Instead of sitting around and hoping that some day this water crisis will come to an end, we can actually do something about it. Just $20 can give a person clean water to drink. That is why I have decided to celebrate my birthday differently this year. I don't want presents. I want clean water.

100% of the money we raise 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 we made. I can't think of a better birthday gift.

Please donate to my campaign, and help me reach my birthday goal!