My 30th birthday is around the corner. I don't usually ask for presents, but this year I've decided to make an exception. I'm asking all my friends and family to donate to charity: water and give clean water to people who need it, instead of giving me gifts.

Women and children around the world walk hours every day to collect water for their families. They lose out on education and employment opportunities, which means equality between men and women in their countries stays way out of balance. Plus the water they collect can make them really sick. Terrible right? Well, we can actually do something about it. Just $20 can give a person clean water to drink.

Yes, this is my soap box. For the past year and a half I've had the privilege of writing for my company's sustainability blog (blog posts: http://bit.ly/W47j7x) and writing a water-related column for an industry magazine (article: http://bit.ly/16kZ9tY). I'm constantly writing and talking about how valuable water is and what a great gift (article: http://bit.ly/VQgoiS)! So it only makes sense it's all I want for my 30th birthday, right?

For a lot of people 30 is a scary milestone, but not for me. I'm thrilled with the opportunities I've had in the last 30 years, content with how I've met the challenges, and confident the next 60 will be even better. My only regret? For so much of my youth I only focused on me. Luckily I get a second chance to put the focus where it belongs: On others, especially those in need. If you could use a second chance, too, why don't you join me in bringing clean water to some very deserving people? It's a small gift with a HUGE impact: accessible clean water means health, freedom, education, equality, and more.

I can't think of a better birthday gift.
Please donate to my campaign, and make this the best birthday ever!