The first step out of poverty begins with clean water - please help me fund a water project in the Sahel region.

October 1st is approaching, so I'm about to turn a year older. Last year I asked you to join me in my first bday fundraising campaign to raise money for charity: water to help fund a clean water project in Orissa, India. Back then we raised $2,356 for which I'm grateful to this day.

While our water project in Orissa is being built the global water crisis is far from being solved. So this year I'd like to ask you to consider donating again.

Having access to clean water is the first step out of poverty. But this basic cornerstone of life is out of reach for many. Such as for people living in the Sahel region below the Sahara desert; an area frequently affected by drought and famine and where access to water is rare. Which is why - in particular - women spend hours each day walking to the next hole in the ground to collect water. But this is not only a bad use of their time, the output of that work can be health threatening as the water is often contaminated by animal waste and other harmful pollutants.

There is a solution though: we can help transform lives in the Sahel zone by funding sustainable, clean water projects. By donating to my bday campaign you would help building solar powered pumps which pipe water to tap stands in communities in need of clean water.

Any sum will be greatly appreciated but I thought I'd continue with last year's approach and ask you for $33 (a $ for each year of my life). And - goes without saying - I don't mean to introduce a cap in case you'd consider giving more.

100% of everything we raise will directly fund water projects. And when those projects are finished, charity: water will send us proof in pictures and GPS coordinates, so we can see the actual people and communities we impacted.

Thank you very much for considering donating to this great cause. Your support would mean a lot to me.

Oliver