Every day, 1,400 kids under the age of 5 die from water-related illnesses. Let's help change that!

With much gratitude for the excellent education and care you have shown our children this past year, we are paying it forward and helping bring fresh water to a village. 748 million people are living without clean drinking water on our planet. Rather than adding more junk to the landfill or chocolate to your desk, we'd like to give the gift of clean water for Christmas this year. 100% of every dollar donated in your honour will go directly to water projects. And when the projects are complete, charity: water will show us GPS coordinates, photos and other details about the communities we've helped. In 18 months, we'll see the well that our appreciation of your kindness has helped fund (in lieu of Christmas gifts).

By having a local source of clean water, more of the local children can have an education--the most precious gift of all. We have entrusted our children's intellectual and social development to the excellent team at school and daycare and our trust has been amply repaid--they are thriving, happy, engaged and always excited to share their leaning and for that we are grateful to you and others behind the scenes.

We wish you happy holidays and all the best for 2015!