WaterCan’s Gifts of Water Campaign Christmas Miracle

Ottawa, Canada, January 06, 2011 --(PR.com)-- WaterCan, a Canadian international development charity, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its second annual Gifts of Water online Christmas campaign (www.giftsofwater.ca). The goal of $24,049, to be matched 3:1 by the Canadian International Development Agency, was reached and exceeded on Christmas Eve, in record time. Funds raised will support the digging of 15 wells and development of two protected springs in Wakiso District, Uganda to serve over 3,410 children, women and men.

With 4,100 children globally estimated to die of water- and sanitation-related diseases on Christmas Day alone, Gifts of Water offered Canadians an opportunity to make a real difference during the holiday season, by giving meaningful gifts in the name of family and friends. And give they did. Over 200 Gifts of Water, ranging from soap for good hygiene ($20) to handpumps ($1,100), were purchased raising a total of $30,220.

“We are so encouraged to see this campaign growing year after year. What this tells us is that Canadians are seeking alternative, green and meaningful gifts that deliver impact beyond the immediate gratification that material possessions bring,” explains Gary H.J. Pluim, Executive Director, adding, “Recession-minded shoppers will certainly have appreciated that Gifts of Water pack real punch in the fight against global poverty, with every dollar invested yielding on average a $9 economic return.”

Worldwide, nearly 1 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water, a further 2.5 billion don’t have access to basic sanitation facilities, like toilets and latrines. The global water and sanitation crisis is one of the most lethal, yet solvable, public health emergencies in the world today.

For further information please visit www.giftsofwater.ca

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