All of my birthdays have always been about stuff. Don't get me wrong, presents are great! But you always end up using them for a short period of time, then forget about them. I want to do something bigger.

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

I'm turning 23 years old, and instead of asking for gifts, I'm asking for water. It's not going to me, though. All of it is going to build freshwater wells for people in developing nations.

A billion people in the world are living without clean water - but how much are they really living? Millions contract deadly diseases from contaminated water. 45,000 people will die this week alone. The lucky ones won't, but still walk hours each day to get dirty water to give to their families.

I am very passionate about Charity:Water because just $20 can provide water for one individual. All, I said ALL of the proceeds go directly to building the water well. AND..within the year I will receive pictures and a story of a well that was created with my money, cool right?

My birthday wish this year is not for more gifts I don't need; it's to give clean and safe drinking water to some of the billion living without it. I want to make my birthday matter this year. I'm turning 23 and still feel that I haven't made much of an important difference with this life I've been given. So now it's time.

Please join me. With a hug, a smile, a pat on the back, $1 or more. Anything would greatly be appreciated!

Thank you,
Sarah Daignault

please note: Because of charity: water's unique model, 100% of all donations go directly to direct water projects costs, and each donation is "proved" and tracked to the village it helped when projects are complete.