Hi everyone,

While I traveled in Peru, and even on a daily basis looking at the news, etc, I've noticed that the pain and suffering in the world can seem overwhelming. It's very easy for us to just pretend it doesn't exist, that there aren't millions of people hurting around the world this very moment.

A while ago I decided that for my 20th birthday, which also happens to be Valentine's day, I will do what I can to make an impact on the lives of those in need. I began to look at many charities, mostly from a cost-benefit perspective. I'm assuming most of the people reading this aren't sitting on stacks of money; a lot of you are students surviving off chicken and rice. But even the smallest donations can help make a world of difference to those who need it. Charity Water is, in my mind, the most cost efficient way to change lives. Charity Water is incredibly careful with donator's money, and their operation costs are privately funded, so every cent donated goes straight to providing clean water to all. ​

Charity Water has a very simple goal: bring clean water to every single person on the planet. Despite it's ambitious nature, it is estimated that it would only take about $10 billion per year to achieve this. To put this in perspective, Americans spend $11.8 billion per year on bottled water. If everyone in North America drank tap water instead of bottled water, we could supply clean water to all those who lack it. Now, I'm not trying to make you feel guilty for enjoying bottled water, but the point is, this is a problem we can handle.

Bringing clean water to a community has a multitude of incredible consequences, the most obvious being health. It is estimated by the World Health Organization that 500 000 people die each year from diseases directly caused by dirty water. These are entirely unnecessary deaths, and we have the means to prevent them. Besides health benefits, clean water brings unprecedented economic growth to a population, especially in relation to women. It is the women of nations that make long journeys each day to get water for their families. When a community gets water, women and girls get their lives back. They start businesses, improve their homes, and take charge of their own futures.

I could go on and on about this subject, but I should at least try to keep it short and sweet. The point is this: we can make an incredible difference in the world. Instead of celebrating my birthday this year, I'm asking people to give what they can to those who need it.

This can be a stressful season, for many reasons. Remember in tough times to love yourselves, and love others. We're always willing to spend tons of money on a cute date for Valentines, this year let's spend just a little bit more to change a life. Whether you're busy studying for midterms, or frantically searching for a romantic gift, let's see how much love we can bring into the world this Valentine's Day!