March 22 is World Water Day

Birthdays can change the world // a story from charity: water fundraisers from charity: water on Vimeo.

Last week many of us were reminded of the damaging consecuences of not having water and how it affects people worldwide but few of us were informed on what can be done to help.

In the past, we have written about charity:water, the non-profit organization dedicated to bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. On March 22, World Water Day, charity:water decided to focus on the positive rather than the negative by inviting us to share the efforts made by many to bring clean water to those who need it the most. A simple, clean and engaging website was launched to tell the stories of those who have contributed by giving up their birthdays and they invite us to do the same.

Many of us at arangostudio have given up our birthdays to help this cause. Today we want to encourage you to see and hear what other fundraisers have to say by visiting charity:water's new site and watching the video above.

charity: water

While I was in NY over the summer attending SVA for the Impact! Design for Social Change program, we had the amazing opportunity to visit the charity:water offices. Scott Harrison, the founder of charity:water, told us the story of how this organization got started and why. I was both shocked and amazed when I learned about how scarce water is in several parts of the world and the extent to which it affects people's lives. Amazed by the efforts and results charity:water has made.

Basically 1 out of 8 people do not have clean and safe drinking water. This means that they are exposed to all types of diseases that can eventually lead to death. Imagine if you were one of those 8!

Scott and his team do a much better job of explaining the urgent need for water as well as show you the impact that having water has on the people who need it the most. Check out the videos and information throughout the charity:water site.

charity: water videos

In the meantime, a big birthday is coming up for me and I could not think of a better way to celebrate it than by helping others. I really have no need for gifts, especially if I end up moving, (more stuff to pack) except for maybe a "happy birthday" and a donation to this cause.

So, I guess I am a little ambitious trying to raise 5,000 from the start, but that is what it takes to build a well for a village. Any donation is welcome. $20 can give one person clean water for 20 years! 

Start donating now! Not for me but for the one out of eight that don't have water.

Thanks for your contributions. 

Click here to donate http://mycharitywater.org/arangostudio