We're Bringing Clean Water to a Village in an Undeveloped Country

In 2011, my husband Leonard and I are committed to bringing clean water to a village in an undeveloped country.

Our goal is to raise $5,000 by March 31, 2011 and we kicked off the campaign by personally donating $1,000.

When all is said and done, this charity: water project will provide clean water to 250+ men, women, and children.

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For years, I’ve peppered my conversations with too many “when” statements…

• "When I have more time, I’ll help someone in need."
  
  
• "When the economy picks up I’ll donate more money to the causes closest to my heart."
  
  
• "When I retire, I’ll really be able to do some good in this world."

Lately I’ve been saying to my family and friends, “Imagine all the good I’ll do when I win the lottery! I’ll start by funding a clean water project in a village in an undeveloped country.”

Noble sentiment, right? The thing is, I don’t buy lottery tickets and while I have a career that I love, I’m no Fortune 500 CEO weighted down with a diamond-studded salary package.

Still, I am wildly lucky. I’ve had the chance to live the life of my choosing. I’ve chased all my dreams and realized most of them. Forget about having everything I need to live a healthy life. I also have the things I merely want.

Millions of people around the world dream about finding a way to provide the necessities—like clean water and nutritious food—for their families. What do I dream about? Front row concert tickets and luxury vacations. Those things will never ever cross the minds of those living in the third world.

“When I win the lottery…” Guess what? I already did.

Today, my husband Leonard and I pledge to make a difference. In conjunction with charity: water, we plan to raise $5,000 in three months to build a clean water project in an undeveloped country. It will improve the health and lifestyle of 250+ men, women, and children who currently rely on water from polluted sources.

Read more about this clean water project and about how it will improve the health of the community.

Watch this video that shows a charity: water project in action.

Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” We’re taking that step today. Will you join us?

—Andrea M. Rotondo, travel writer/book editor
Leonard Hospidor, recording engineer/photographer