I’m privileged enough to say that while I don’t have everything, I do have what I need. So this year, my birthday wish is not to receive gifts, but to do my part in granting others freedom and opportunity. Throughout the year I am involved in various local charities, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to reach out beyond the Canadian borders to assist in providing people with a basic need all of you reading this have, clean water.

I don’t usually ask for gifts, but this year I’ve decided to make an exception. I’m asking my friends and family to donate to charity: water and give clean water to people who need it, instead of giving me gifts. Save the money you might usually spend on buying me a drink when we go out to celebrate, or on an $8 Hallmark card (those gestures are appreciated, but I think that the money could be better spent). Seriously, every dollar helps.

Imagine you had tons of water, but none of it was clean. Imagine having to drink, cook and clean with that water -- knowing that it would make your family sick.

Did you know that almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water? Every day, 5,000 kids die from water-related illnesses before they reach their fifth birthday. 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.

Just $65 is enough money to fund a BioSand Filter and serve an entire community with clean water for years to come. Which means we have the opportunity to change the lives of many families in need.

100% of the money raised will go directly to water project costs, funding long-lasting clean water solutions in Cambodia. When the projects are finished, charity: water will show us the exact communities we've helped using photos and GPS coordinates.

Help me make this birthday my best ever -- please donate to my campaign!