Last year at the World Domination Summit, I watched a powerful presentation by charity: water founder Scott Harrison about how to help families around the globe access clean water.
I expected a cliche pitch, but instead found myself tearing up in that auditorium. So I pledged to give away my 32nd birthday– no big celebrations or presents — and run a campaign for charity: water instead. Now that birthday is right around the corner.
My official goal is to raise $2,000 by January 12th, but the truth is I’m hoping we can contribute much more than that. That’s why I’m offering a free copy of Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Business ($47 value) to anyone who donates $32 or more. (Just forward your receipt to alexiskgrant[at]gmail[dot]com and I’ll send you the guide.)
Why bother? Why help this particular cause when there are so many to choose from?
Three reasons:
1. My Cameroonian host family, who I’ve stayed with on two occasions, suffered from a water-related illness outbreak this year. When you see this issue affecting people who are like family, it really hits home.
Sure, this money won’t go to MY African family. But it will go to lots of other families who are just as deserving, who will benefit just as much. And imagining the looks on their faces when their well is complete makes me smile.
Teenage girls in Senegal.
2. This charity works differently than other organizations, holds themselves accountable differently. They fund operating costs through private donations, so every cent we donate goes directly to water projects. And they actually tell you where they built the well you helped fund. In other words, you know how your money is spent.
3. And this is the biggie: Giving people access to clean water is absolutely one of the BEST ways to make a huge difference in this world. Having traveled a lot in Africa, I’ve seen what it means for a community to have clean water — and what it means when they don’t.
Access to clean water creates a snowball effect of great things, including giving more girls the opportunity to go to school (because they don’t have to spend their entire day fetching water). If you want to give back, this is a smart way to do it.
I feel so fortunate to spend my days thinking not about how to meet my basic needs, but about how to follow my dreams. Let’s make it possible for other people and communities to do that, too.
Once again, here’s how to join Lexi’s charity: water campaign. Let’s show the world what we can do!
P.S. If you think this is a worthy cause, won’t you share it on Twitter or Facebook?
Great idea – count me in! Wishing you an excellent year filled with abundance, for you and for all those whose lives you touch. Thank you for the inspiration, and Happy Birthday!