Tomorrow, October 9th, is the LAST day of my birthday campaign. As of today 34 people will receive clean water-and that is awesome! So grateful for people's generosity.

To be honest, what I am about to tell you, makes me nervous. Nervous that the weight of the situation will not be communicated well, and nervous that a cause I believe in so strongly will mean nothing to those closest to me-my family and friends. But I believe that when the facts and the heart behind them are shown to you- you will join me in action.
Here are the facts:
o In the last year it has come to my attention (and I am slow to the game I know!) that more people die from lack of clean water each year than are killed by all forms of violence, including war!
o $28 billion is lost in Africa alone each year due to lack of safe water and sanitation-that’s about 5% of the GDP.
o Also, women are twice as likely to collect water as men; their long walks for water mean risk of rape, violence, and long-term wear and tear on their bodies.
o There are nearly 800 million people around the world living with no access to clean water.
Where is the hope you ask?
o 10% of disease may be reduced with improved access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene education, and water resource management.
o $1 invested in water = $4-12 for the local economy!
o Clean water projects built near schools increase class attendance, especially in girls. At times, clean water access mean that families are able to start gardens near their homes to provide reliable access to food.
Isn’t the power of clean water amazing?!
Now, here is a solution that you can be a part of! A solution that will affect generations of people all over the world!
For my 27th birthday (August 4th) I am partnering with charity:water to provide clean water projects all around the world. So, instead of presents, Facebook posts, or nothing at all, I am asking you for a $27 donation to my campaign, $1 for each year of my life. But, whatever you are able to give will make a difference! A $20 donation alone provides clean water for one person-for life!
When people are healthy they are able to focus on living-not just surviving. They are able to protect their families, provide healthy (safe) food for them, have an education and build a strong community that ultimately will have a generational, lasting impact. And YOU can be a part of saving millions of lives now and in the future. What I really appreciate about charity:water is that 100% of your donation will go directly to the water projects, and they will provide you with reports over the next 18 months that detail exactly where your money is going. A year ago I made a donation to someone’s campaign and my money is now providing permits, supplies, etc. in Cambodia!
I really hope that this has impacted you and that you will join me in this campaign and help me make this birthday my best ever!

Lauren~~