Dollar for a Drink

Have you ever thought about the people in third world countries that struggle just to survive? I think it is easy for us to forget about the daily struggles some people face across the world because we really do have it all in America. But just because we may be blind to the fact that others are struggling to meet their daily needs does not mean that it is not actually happening. Right now, in Sudan, people are struggling to find good, clean water. Water! I can get up from my computer right now and go get a drink of water without even thinking about it. But those people in Sudan must traverse miles to even find a water source, and even then they are limited as to how much they can bring back. They are then limited as to how much they can drink, for they must ration it out. And yet, here we are with an abundance of water, more than we know what to do with.

So here is my challenge. A friend of mine here at Union, Joshua Guthrie, created an organization called Dollar For A Drink last fall. From October to December 2008, he raised $8,000. That was how much it cost to build just one well in Sudan. He actually exceeded his goal last fall, which made him go on and set a new goal for the fall of 2009. So this fall, the goal has been increased to $24,000! With that money, 3 new wells can be built in Sudan.

The good news: In just 1 month, for this new goal began at the beginning of September, 1/3 of that goal has already been met. Enough money has almost been raised to cover 1 of the 3 new wells!

The bad news: 1 of 3 is not enough. People are dying each day in the Sudan because of a lack of water. That is why Joshua wants our help, yes, me included.

How can you help? By donating $1... that's it! If 24,000 people donated $1 apiece, the goal would be met. But if you feel led to donate more, go right ahead. The idea is to give up $1 for a drink (such as a cup of coffee, a coke, a bottle of water) that you would have during the day. You may challenge yourself to go a week without that extra coke at break during work. That would be $7. See the idea? It does not matter what you give, but I encourage you to give to this great cause.

So how do you do it? It's simple. Go to www.dollarforadrink.org and find out how you can donate. There is an online method or you can do it by mail. Also, you will find much more information on the website about what this non-profit organization was designed for. Furthermore, you can promote this cause at your school, business, or church. The more people that hear about it, the fast the goal can be met.

So can you do it? Yes. The question is... will you do it? It's your choice. I am not going to place guilt on you, but I do encourage you to seriously consider what you give. These people in Sudan are literally depending on us, on our sacrifice.

It's really quite easy... $1 for 1 drink.

Matt