My birthday is around the corner. I prefer not to receive presents, but this year 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.

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. Fifth birthday. Too short of lives for such beautiful gifts. 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.

Women and children around the world walk hours every day to collect water for their families. And the worst part? The water they collect can make them really sick. Terrible right? Well, we can actually do something about it. Just $20 can give a person clean water to drink.

The best part is that 100% of the money we raise together 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. 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. This is one of the best charity business practices I've read about and seen yet.

I can't think of a better birthday gift.
Please donate to my campaign, and do a little dance when you do because you just helped give beautiful children and their families a chance at life through clean water.