This Sunday, March 22, is World Water Day. At CARITAS For Children, we are trying to raise awareness for the lack of clean water in many places around the world, such as Uganda and Haiti, and joining the fight for clean water for Africa. Here in the United States and in Europe, turning on a tap brings clean water gushing out in the temperature of your choice. In Uganda, for instance, many people are forced to walk long distances to fill jerry cans from streams or unfiltered water pumps, placing them at risk for waterborne illnesses.

Children walking to gather water

During Lent we’re supposed to give up something we like (or add something to our daily routine) in an attempt to make ourselves better. We prepare for Easter by fasting, praying, and putting in extra effort for 40 days.

Often we give up things like: favorite TV show, chocolate, or fast food. Sometimes we pick something a little more outside the norm: sleeping with a pillow, or social media. But this year we’re asking you to consider doing something different.

Filling jerry cans with water, a daily chore

For the remainder of Lent join us in fasting from soft drinks or your favorite coffee house beverage and donate the money to the CARITAS For Children Water Filtration Program. You may have read about this request in Kollin Petrie's most recent post on Reflections of Caritas.

Even if you haven’t been so far, it’s not too late to start helping children in Uganda access clean drinking water. For the remainder of Lent we’re trying to raise enough funds to purchase 5 water filters for families in Uganda—that means we need to raise $500. Help us give the gift of clean water!