The Thirst Project is a nonprofit movement of high school and college students who are raising awareness of and bringing solutions to the global water crisis. The Thirst Project travels across the United States with it's National School Tour using Edu- cation Outreach Programs to educate, equip and empower individuals to explore the human journey and take action in projects that create radical & sustainable global change, and champion hope and respect for the positive values of life. Students unleash their creativity by executing fundraisers to build freshwater wells in developing countries. In just three years The Thirst Project has raised almost $1Million and built wells in 10 countries, giving more than 50,000 people safe, clean water.
Drake Bell joined forces with The Thirst Project in 2009 and together they have worked to provide safe, clean water to thousands of children in need. Drake has used his voice to raise the profile of this cause that is so close to his heart. In 2009, Drake and The Thirst Project launched a PSA Campaign challenging his followers to give $5 for four months to give one person clean water. This campaign was incredible successful and raised enough funds to build more than 10 wells! Since then, Drake has played concerts on school campuses to raise funds. These events have had an amazing impact, drawing together students, raising awareness, and raising more than $12,000 to build more wells. In 2010, Drake was honored with the Pioneering Spirit Award, the highest honor The Thirst Project accords any individual. His public appeals, media support, and tangible impact made through fundraisers shows Drake's heart as a true Humanitarian.
Almost 1 billion people on our planet today do not have access to safe, clean drinking water. Every 15 seconds a child dies from a water-related disease. 4,400 children will die today as a result of unsafe water. Water-borne diseases kill more people every year than all AIDS, Malaria, and World Violence combined (including war). We can no longer ignore the #1 killer of children globally.