Avid tweeter and former Charmed actress Alyssa Milano is joining the charity: water birthday club. Earlier this week, Alyssa told her family, friends and fans that instead of receiving presents or a party for her 37th birthday, all she wants is their donations to her charity: water campaign that will bring clean, safe water to ten communities in need, over 2,500 people.
Alyssa explained her decision to sacrifice gifts in a Huffington Post article. Here's an excerpt from her heartwarming request:
- “As a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and the founding ambassador for the Global Network, I’ve traveled to the field and seen firsthand the devastation left behind by waterborne illnesses," wrote the actress. "On these trips, I’ve run the gamut of emotions that range from mind-bending anger to heart-warming hope. Upon my return from the field, I count my blessings, and then as time passes, I become frustrated with myself that I’m not doing more to alleviate the pain of those I met on my journey.
“It is because of this very frustration that I decided to give up my birthday. I have everything I could ever want or need. All I want is to provide life-giving water for 10 communities, 500 families and 2,500 people. This is my Birthday wish. In lieu of spending money on a party or presents, I’m asking people to donate to my charity:water campaign and help make my wish come true."
Currently, there are over 1 billion people who haven't got access to the basic human need of clean, safe water to be used for cleaning, drinking, cooking and bathing. Over 200 million people worldwide are living with parasites due to waterborne illnesses. If you've got a few bucks to spare, donate to Alyssa's campaign here. You can also start your own for your own birthday, anniversary, holiday or other occasion.
And as always, you can help charity: water build freshwater wells in villages for free by choosing them as your Cause on SocialVibe and completing all our activities everyday.
