Twitter for a Cause: The Global Twestival for charity: water

Mammal, People in nature, Soil, Sand, Playing with kids, — (Image credit: Archives)

Did you know that 1.1 billion people on the planet don't have access to safe, clean drinking water? That's one in six of us that have to walk more than three hours every day to fetch water that is likely contaminated--three hours not spent working or attending school. And of the 42,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation, 90% are children under 5 years old.

charity: water is a non-profit organization that's doing their part to help, bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Since it's foundation in 2006, charity: water has funded the construction of more than 600 wells that, when completed, will provide clean drinking water to 250,000 people. And on February 12, 2009, people in over 175 cities all over the world are getting involved and lending a helping hand, thanks to Twitter.

In September 2008, a group of Twitterers based in London organized an event where the local Twitter community could get together outside of the social networking site, meet the faces behind the avatars, and fundraise for a local homeless charity. The event was a success, and organizers wondered if the concept would translate to other cities around the world.