All of my birthdays have always been about stuff.
But this year, I’m giving my birthday up.
I’m turning 37 years old in September, and instead of asking for gifts, I’m asking for $37 or more from everyone I know. It’s not going to me, though. All of it is going to build freshwater wells for people in developing nations.
A billion people in the world are living without clean water—but how much are they really living? Millions contract deadly diseases from contaminated water. 45,000 people will die this week alone. The lucky ones won’t, but still walk hours each day to get dirty water to give to their families.
My birthday wish this year is not for more gifts I don’t need;Â it’s to give clean and safe drinking water to some of the billion living without it. I want to make my birthday matter this year.
Because of charity: water’s unique model, 100% of all donations go directly to direct water projects costs, and each donation is “proved†and tracked to the village it helped when projects are complete.
First, I want to greet you “advance” happy birthday.
Second, I want to say what a noble and impressive gesture – better to give than to receive – as the saying goes.
Third, there’s a critical water shortage in Manila, Philippines right now… have you decided which needy country will be the lucky recipient of your “gift”?
I don’t get to choose which country gets the money. It goes to the foundation, and they put it where they see fit.
Kim,
This sounds like a wonderful idea. I had a large party when I turned 30 last year. I think this year when I turn 31 I will do something similar. It can bring a lot of attention to a good cause. I hope all of your friends participate!
Good luck,
-Defiant Teenager
WOW! That’s a real cool idea to help the needy and specially those who don’t have the facility of clean drinking water. If every one in this world starts thinking like Kim Siever we can discover a new world of healthy people around us, irrespective of their country of origin.