3.21.2007 - 09:25pm ET

(CSRwire) March 21, 2007 - Approaching World Water Day as a call to action, PlayPumps International, together with Save the Children USA, is launching a campaign to bring clean water to 100 schools and communities in Africa. Supported by tennis star Nicole Vaidisova, the "100 Pumps in 100 Days" campaign aims to raise $1.4 million to fund PlayPump water systems – an innovative pump powered by a merry-go-round.

"I am proud to be a part of the '100 Pumps in 100 Days' campaign to bring clean drinking water to children and families in rural Africa," Vaidisova said. "Playing tennis has allowed me to travel the world, and I’ve become aware of how closely connected we all are. It is important for us to work together to make sure that no one lacks something as basic as clean water to drink. The '100 Days' campaign offers everyone simple ways to make a big difference."

The campaign, which will begin March 22 and end June 29, will engage students, clubs, faith-based organizations, and others in raising money and awareness. The campaign’s Action Kit, available at www.playpumps.org, contains 100 ideas for fundraising and outreach.

PlayPumps International, which raises money to donate PlayPump™ water systems to schools and communities in sub-Saharan Africa, is known for its collaborative approach. PlayPumps International has enjoyed the support of foundations, corporations, governments and celebrities, including music artist Jay-Z, whose MTV documentary "Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life" raised awareness of the water crisis.

A PlayPump water system is a child's merry-go-round attached to a water pump and storage tank that provides clean drinking water and powerful educational messages to schools and communities in Africa. By 2010, 4,000 PlayPump systems will be installed in 10 sub-Saharan African countries.

"Save the Children is proud to be working with PlayPumps International to provide hygiene education, nutrition programming, and other vital services in communities where we both work," said Charles MacCormack, President and CEO, of Save the Children USA. "We are thrilled to be part of a campaign to make sure more children and families benefit from clean drinking water."

Additional campaign supporters include the Case Foundation, National Geographic Kids, Flashbags, Hard Rock International, Allido Records, Anheuser-Busch, the Film Connection, the Center for International Education, the National Youth Leadership Council and APCO Worldwide.


The World Water Crisis: Fast Facts

40 billion hours are lost annually to hauling water, a chore primarily undertaken by women and girls.


About PlayPumps International

PlayPumps International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping improve the lives of children and their families by providing easy access to clean drinking water, enhancing public health, and offering play equipment to millions across Africa. To date, PlayPumps International has donated more than 800 PlayPump water systems in South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zambia. In 2007 and beyond, PlayPumps International will help bring the PlayPump system to Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Tanzania, and Uganda. The organization’s goal is to provide the benefits of clean drinking water to up to 10 million people by 2010. For more information, visit www.playpumps.org.

About Save the Children USA

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating real and lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. It is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, comprising 28 national Save the Children organizations working in more than 110 countries to ensure the well-being of children. Save the Children USA is currently working with PlayPumps International in Mozambique. For more information, visit www.savethechildren.org.

For more information please contact:

Nancy Murphy
202-292-1775

For more CSR news and information from this organization:

Corporate Social Responsibility Profile for PlayPumps International

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