My discovery of Charity:water

Today, as I continued to net away as what has become a part of my morning routine, I discovered yet another incredible story.

This story is about a nonprofit called Charity: water and founder Scott Harrison's passion project. Founded in 2006, it has helped fund 6,611 projects in 20 countries, benefiting over 2,545,000 people!!

So, how did he do it? Well, he joined the passion project after leaving a 10 year run promoting night clubs.

He then took a trip to to Africa and one thing really caught his eye. He noticed people walking three or four hours a day for filthy water that would make them sick, ''water that you wouldn't let your dog drink."

So this is how it began: On his 31st birthday, he invited all his friends to a night club to celebrate, however instead of having them pay for the event, he asked for a donation to help fund something even greater. This also included a promise, that he would show all his friends where their money went and what it accomplished. What began as one man giving up his birthday for a greater cause, a movement was started. People all over are giving up their birthdays for charity:water.

Overall, the organization has raised over $40 million as of January 15, 2012.

But there is more!! It is about a little girl named Rachel.

Rachel heard about charity: water and decided to try and raise 300$ for her ninth birthday to help fund a project with Charity: water. Sadly, she fell short, and only raised 220$. She made a promise to

try harder next year. But on July 11th, she was killed in a tragic car accident.

Her story got out. People from all over the world heard Rachel's story and began to donate. Only a few months after her death, over 1.2 million was raised in her honor for Charity: water. That means that in her honor, she was able to help close to 40,000 people across the globe. One year after her death, on the anniversary of the accident, Rachel's mother and grandparents took a trip to Ethiopia to see those who she helped through her donations. She will be forever remembered all over the world for her caring heart, and what her death has brought to the world.
This little girl holds a special place in my heart, and I have decided to possibly try this for my next birthday. If I could raise even the littlest amount of money, I will have played some role in the changing of this world.

Here is Rachel's story, and a link to her site if you decide you would like to help.

http://www.charitywater.org/rachels-gift/

Just some food for thought...