My birthdays have always been about stuff and parties. Stuff I may want, but don't need. Gifts that had alot of thought (or maybe just a little thought), but were guesses as to what would really touch me. And to be honest, the gifts I remember most from last year's birthday were the clay pots that my kids painted with love for me.

So this year, I'm giving my birthday up.

I'm turning 43 years old, and instead of asking for gifts, I'm asking for $10 or more from everyone I know. It's not going to me, though. All of it is going to build freshwater wells for people in developing nations.

Here's why I'm doing this:

Just think about this for 5 seconds... A BILLION people in the world are living without clean water . That's three United States worth of people. Millions contract deadly diseases from contaminated water. 45,000 people will die this week alone. The lucky ones won't, but still walk up to 12 (!) hours each day to get dirty water to give to their families.

My birthday wish this year is to give clean drinking water to some of those living without it. I want to make my birthday matter this year.

I've seen it up close through dear friends. Water is the beginning. With it then comes schools and learning. Medicine and health. Small businesses and a living wage. And villages full of people who change their lives from surviving to thriving.

So. Please join me.

In gratitude and appreciation,

Ross

{FYI...100% of all donations to Charity Water go directly to direct water projects costs, and each donation is "proved" and tracked to the village it helped when projects are complete. )