I hope that you had a
wonderful holiday. The holidays are
a time for family, comfort and love.

Joy to the world, right?

Here's the reality, though, of Christmas in our
world: America spends around $500 billion a year
on Christmas gifts. I find this staggering.
That's more than $600 a person.
We also spend another $8 billion on
decorating for Christmas.

Isn't there something wrong with this picture?

This holiday season I'm taking a step back from
that world. This Christmas, I gave more than just
gifts that fit into boxes. It''s about so much
more than that.

I want to give people life.

Did you know that more than a billion people are
living without water on our planet? Is that crazy
or what? Some walk miles every day to get to the
nearest source: a stagnant, parasite-infested
stream or pond. They lug it back to their
families. They suffer from diarrhea, worms and
skin diseases because they can't wash themselves.
45,000 people die each day from waterborne
illnesses.

REI Conferences' initial mission is to raise
$10,000 in January 2010. 100% of every penny we
raise will go directly to the water projects. And
every project is "proved" using GPS technology and
photos and put on Google Earth. Together, we'll be
able to see the impact we've made.

I want to PROVE to people that every little bit
helps.

I started this Giving Back Campaign off with $100
and If you can donate $100 or even $10, it would be so
appreciated and it goes toward an outstanding
cause=you are giving a child in this world something
so simple yet huge: clean water.
Be a part of something bigger than yourself
and help us change lives by giving others one of
the most basic things on this planet: Clean water
to drink.

One billion people, one cause. This is the least
we can do.

Will you help us and join me in this wonderful
mission by donating?

Blessings To You This Holiday Season,
Charrissa & Jeff Cawley &The REI Conferences
Family