Remember yesterday, when we shared the research indicating that material things, don’t make you happy? Well, then you’ll also recall that data came with a qualification: above a certain baseline. But when you are below that baseline and your family lacks access to clean water, material — water specifically — could make you very happy.
It’s likely no that one reading this lacks access to clean water, but that separates us from much of the world. It’s shocking, but one in eight people don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water. Water-borne pathogens and parasites in unsafe water kill more people every year than all forms of violence combined, including war.
Fortunately, the water problem is as addressable as it is tragic: just $20 can secure clean water for 20 years for a person who currently lacks access to it in the developing world.
So this year, share the joy of the season and give and receive with your close family and friends as you always do. But when you find yourself searching for things to put on your list or you groan in anticipation of Aunt Edna’s inevitable off-target gift consider another option. Trade in the opportunity to practice your acting when you open the sweater/necktie/blouse you will never wear and ask for a gift to a good cause instead. People all over the world are giving up gifts to bring clean water to people in need. Charity:water tells you how to change lives this holiday season in three easy steps. First: start a fundraising campaign on mycharity: water. Second: tell everyone what you really want this holiday season (to give back). And third: give people clean water to drink. You’ll be happy you did.