Tapping into Something Good

4,200 children die every day from water-related diseases.

Just $1 can provide a child with safe drinking water for 40 days.

UNICEF has improved the access of safe drinking water to 1.2 billion people, and educated another 1.2 billion on safe sanitation practices in over 100 countries.

But 900 million people worldwide continue to lack access to safe drinking water.

By 2015, UNICEF aims to cut that number in half.

In 2007 the “Tap Project” was officially launched. New York city restaurant patrons were asked to pay $1 or more for tap water—an item typically offered to them for free. The money was donated to UNICEF to support their effort in providing clean drinking water to countries in need.

The “Tap Project 2010” puts a new twist on the campaign by placing a Dirty Water vending machine in the middle of Manhattan. Thirsty pedestrians are invited to purchase one of the eight “flavours” of bottled water that represent common diseases that affect the global poor: Malaria, Cholera, Typhoid, Dengue, Hepatitis, Dysentery, Salmonella, and Yellow Fever. Consumers are also encouraged to offer a one time $5 donation by texting “TAP” to UNICEF (864233).

All money raised through the 2010 UNICEF Tap Project will be allocated to the countries and areas UNICEF has identified as among the most in need. Those countries include Togo, Central African Republic, Vietnam, Guatemala and, of course, Haiti.

$1.5 million has been raised so far, but there is still plenty left to do. Join the many celebrities, corporations, restaurants and local government supporters by donating to the cause, and providing millions of children with safe drinking water. You can even donate by selling items on ebay!