Every morning, we wake up and interact with water in all sorts of ways. We brush our teeth, we wash our faces, we sip warm cups of coffee and/or tea, etc. For some of us, this experience takes only a couple of minutes. It's a short walk to the bathroom or kitchen, a short drive to the nearest cafe.

However, there are 663 million people who have to take a much longer walk to get to their nearest source of water. For many of these people, there is no guarantee that the water they drink and use is clean. Unsanitary water can lead to serious illnesses. It is one of the top causes of death for children under the age of five, particularly in developing nations.

Aside from health risks, the water crisis is also responsible for creating a gendered educational gap. Young girls and women are typically the ones responsible for getting water for their families. This can take up to an average of two-to four-hours out of their days to retrieve water, taking up time that could be spent studying and/or attending school. Additionally, many young girls stop going to school when they reach puberty in places where they do not have restrooms and latrines.

charity: water is a nonprofit based out of NYC with the mission of building and bringing clean water projects to the 663 million people who currently lack access to clean water. It partners with local organizations and people on the ground so that projects are built with insight, integrity and sustainable investment. Just as importantly, 100% of all donations go directly to fund these projects. None of your donation filters back into internal operational costs. This means your donation and generosity goes to those who need it most -- the 1 in 10 people who currently lack access to clean water.

When I started fundraising for charity: water in 2011, the number of people who lacked access to clean water was over 1 billion. I am optimistic that we will be able to help lower this number year after year, and this year, I am asking you to help me make this a reality by pitching in and donating to my charity: water campaign.

I am also putting together a video project that features voices like yours. To learn more about how you can participate, please watch my video here: https://youtu.be/RGQ2SZivs8g

Thank you for your support!

Always,
Phim