My father, Dr. Bankole Martins, was born on June 8, 1942, and died on March 1, 2018. In those 75 years of life he was social, jovial and charming to everyone he met. But he also had a passionate side to him, one which focused on developing and providing for the community.

My father worked for many years for the Federal Ministry of Water Resources of Nigeria, on projects and programs to secure and develop the water resources of Nigeria. He helped many communities and people in Nigeria gain access to clean water.

Charity: water is a nonprofit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. With a radically transparent model that sends 100% of public donations straight to the field, (it has separate donors for administrative expenses) charity: water funds sustainable water projects in areas of greatest need and works with local partners to implement them. The organization proves every project, using innovative technology and powerful storytelling to connect donors with their impact. Since 2006, charity: water has more than 24,500 water projects around the world to help 7.3 million people get access to clean water, hygiene and improved sanitation.

I would like to honor my father by organizing funds for charity: water, because they help communities gain access to clean drinking water: this is what my father did during his lifetime.

Instead of messages of condolence or gifts to me, I request donations to this water campaign . I would like others to join me in this venture.

I have set an initial target of $3,500 (Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars) Anything you want to give this excellent charity is fine. It means a lot to me to benefit people in this way, in the name of my father.

For some guidance on the impact of your contributions, please see below:

$35 brings clean drinking water to 1 person.
$75 provides access for 2 people.
$750 provides access to clean drinking water for 21 people.
$3500 provides access to clean drinking water for 100 people
$10, 450 transforms a community or school with a well.

100% of the money will be used to build clean water projects, and when they’re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped.

1 in 10 people lack access to clean water, and 1,400 children die every day from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. 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.

By donating, you will not only have honored my father by participating in what he cared about, but you will also have a lasting impact on the lives of families and children.

For those who can give and choose to, thank you and God bless you.