In a month, I’ll turn 38 years old.
During those years, I admit that I’ve lived a relatively self-centered life. I’ve often put my own needs—and in particular, my wants—ahead of the needs and wants of others. If I wanted some shiny new gadget or that expensive bottle of wine (or whatever the obsession of the moment is), I’ve often just gone ahead and bought it. I’ve been fortunate enough in my career thus far to be able to do that from time to time. I’ve learned that buying that stuff and fulfilling those wants—especially the impulsive ones—fulfills that need for immediate gratification, but it often leaves me feeling hollow and wasteful. All that’s left after heated passion of the fling with the new is something else to add to the pile of stuff. Stuff which I don’t find all that useful in the long run.
Birthdays mean presents. Presents mean more stuff. While it’s stuff that I may want, it’s stuff which will likely end up in the pile and that doesn’t do anybody much good. What about the things I need?
I’m fortunate that I really have everything I need need in life. I’m talking about the fundamentals—a loving family, a comfortable home, good food to eat, and clean water.
Clean water. To drink. To bathe.
While most, if not all, of us who are reading this take it for granted, having access to something as basic as clean water affords you the confidence of being able to have a drink without worrying about whether it’ll make you ill. It gives you the dignity of being able to wash up and get yourself clean. Unfortunately, that’s a thing that many people don’t have the luxury of.
If you don’t already know about it, Charity: Water is a wonderful organization which has made it their mission to build wells and set up clean water projects for people in developing nations who need it the most. They are on the ground in countries in Africa, Central and South America, and in southeast Asia and have been involved in over 4000 separate water projects in the past five years. They need funds to continue their work, though.
This year, for my birthday, I’ve decided to forego presents. Instead, I’ve set a goal to raise $1,000 to help fund new Charity: Water projects. $1,000 is enough to help bring water to 50 people who need it. In order to meet that goal, though, I need your help. If you’d like to pitch in—you can donate any amount—it would mean a lot to me, and it would be life-changing for those people who really need clean water. If only 27 people chip in $38 each, that would be enough to meet the $1,000 goal.
If you’re ready, head over to my Charity: Water campaign page and donate now.
If you’re still reading and you’re not yet convinced, I’ll tell you that your entire donation goes to help Charity: Water build new water projects. Your donation is also 100% tax-deductible. While I know you’re probably busy with the holiday season right now, if you make a donation before the new year, you can write off that amount in the upcoming tax season. So if you’re feeling generous and want to do something that will directly impact people’s lives for the better, please donate now.
Thank you so much.
Update: January 4, 2012
The campaign surpassed 50% of its goal yesterday! Thanks so much to all of you who have already contributed. If you haven’t yet donated and would like to, you can head over to my campaign page and donate now.