I've had the privilege of visiting communities in developing nations all over the world... from Cambodia and the Philippines to Rwanda and Tanzania.

The common thread and primary need in all of these places has been water. I love drinking tap water, because I know what a privilege it is to walk a few metres, turn a faucet and fill a cup with something that won't make me sick or put my life or my families' lives in danger.

Yet every day millions of people around the world walk hours and hours in adverse and even dangerous conditions to collect filthy water for the sake of their families survival. If they survive drinking what's collected that is.

I understand that there are so many great causes out there to give to these days, but the more I travel & research, the more I'm convinced that if we can solve the water/sanitation issue, a whole lot of other poverty-borne issues can be put to bed as well: parents stay alive to raise their kids, girls stay in school when they reach puberty and complete their education, raising the overall level of education and leadership in communities... the list goes on and on.

It's a basic need, it's a human right, and it's the greatest gift I can think of to give, or to receive, for my birthday this year.

Please give generously and together lets see lots more people gain access to something we take for granted every day.