I wear a blue wristband. It's not flashy or anything, but it reminds me what I'm trying to achieve. I usually spend about $10 on Dr. Pepper and other assorted beverages every week. Do you know what you what you can do with only ten dollars? As little as ten dollars can provide one person with a lifetime supply of clean water. With four children dying every minute (10,000 children a day) because they lack clean water, I knew something had to be done.
I needed something to give up for Lent (Don't worry; You can still participate even if you aren't Catholic). My sister was giving up popcorn and people kept asking me what I was giving up. I replied, embarrassed, "I don't really have anything to give up." So, I found (or rather, it found me) the H2O project.
So, here's how it works: Give up all beverages but water for two weeks. I'm giving it up for all of Lent, but with Lent, I can drink Dr. Pepper on Sundays. Keep track of all the money you would have spent on other drinks. I would have already spent $7 in two days.
Then, at the end of the two weeks or six weeks or ten years or whatever, donate that money to people who don't have clean water. Save the kids! Sounds good right?I have a caffeine addiction, so it's already kind of hard. I'm going to get some caffeine pills or something at Rite Aid. Most people won't do it with me, because they can't give up caffeine, but I think it's good.
Seriously, with just one dollar a day for two weeks, you could provide three families with clean water for a year. I don't make that stuff up.In 2007, before I was even aware of the project, $11,853.78 was collected in the name of the Franciscan Youth USA. What? Think of all the people with water! The kids saved!
I'm not a spokeswoman for the H2O project nor am I am someone trying to convert you to becoming a Catholic; I'm just a 17-year-old California girl trying to do something good for Lent. Giving up popcorn is nice, but mine reaches people in need. That's the real spirit of Lent.
Article comments
1 - James Sliney
Maddy, you are right on the mark about what is the real meaning of Lent. If my memory serves me the prophet Isaiah said that the fast that God really wants from us is to share our bread (and water) with the hungry (and thirsty).
2 - Dave G
That is quite inspiring - both from the de-tox health benefit and the raising awareness of the need for fresh water for communities around the world.