World Water Day is recognized internationally as an opportunity for the worldwide community to learn more about water related issues. The holiday is a chance to motivate others through water-related learnings and to take action to make an impact.
International observance for water was first recommended in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. As a result, the United Nations General Assembly responded by designating March 22nd as World Water Day. It has been held on that day annually since 1993.
World Bicycle Relief is committed to provide life-changing transportation to women and children across the globe, allowing easier, safe access to every human’s basic need: clean, life-giving water.
Today, World Bicycle Relief is recording household benefits of the Bicycles for Education Empowerment Project (BEEP) in Zimbabwe and concluded that many school children use their Buffalo Bicycle to transport water to and from their homes. Due to less time spent on chores, there was a 28% increase in school attendance and 59% improvement in academic performance among girls who received bikes.
Now that you know some powerful facts, educate others of what you learned. You’re halfway there with observing World Water Day! But what now? Take action and start one of these fundraising activities:
1. Share this blog post with others on Facebook to raise awareness and highlight something you learned.
2. Set up a water or lemonade stand near a bike trail. Donate your profits to World Bicycle Relief.
3. Compete against other school classrooms to fill recycled water bottles with loose change for a month. Donate the proceeds to World Bicycle Relief.
4. Watching March Madness basketball with friends at your local hangout? Add a philanthropic twist. Every time your cup of water is refilled, take out $5 from your wallet and give it to the designated WBR money collector. At the end of the game, reflect on how accessible water is to you and donate the proceeds to World Bicycle Relief.
5. Host a meat-free dinner party. Display various water facts on water pitchers or on tables including how going meatless will decrease your water footprint.