Click here for the campaign.
This year I wanted to make my birthday matter. Instead of birthday presents, I've been asking for $10 or more to help raise funds for clean water in developing countries.
In Africa, women and children usually have the hardship of collecting water for miles along dangerous territories and exposing themselves to sexual assault. The hours spent walking to the nearest wells which don’t necessarily hold clean water, means time away from education, work and taking care of their families. The heavy cans hauled over for hours leads to spinal problems.
It’s more fulfilling when all that money wasted on gifts that I don’t really need nor want is put towards a much better purpose. What a relief - no more fake smiles, fake thank yous and "No really, you shouldn't have (and meaning every word of it - the only note of sincerity on my face!). I approached my neighbours whom I’d never met, family, friends, my dentist, my local corner shop owner, a random stranger in the car and even a policeman on the road.
"I've honestly felt this is one of the best birthdays because some people contributed and helped raise these funds. It's horrible what these women and kids have to go through. My friends suggested dinner instead of a gift, but I knew that if i got them to contribute towards the campaign they'd spend more than the birthday dinner, and they did."
I started the first phase of the campaign by putting $360 of my own money.
The second phase, ending 27 June 2012, has just started. I’m inviting everyone to make a significant difference to these women and children and contribute to the campaign here.
The BEST PART:100% of ALL our donations go directly towards water projects and the people really in need and NOT towards the administration and maintenance of the charities. Eighteen months after this campaign ends, charity: water will show us where and how every dollar we raised ended up helping in the field.
Click here for the campaign.
Contact: soniashah@journalist.com, tel: 07515 736 426
