Matt Damon is fronting a new Campaign for his charity aiming to highlight the importance of toilets to people who may not have them. The next time you send a text, remember this: More people in the world have a mobile phone than a toilet. And, let’s face it: Those of us who have both, often use them at the same time.
World Toilet Day was Sunday, Nov. 19. By texting TOILETS to 50555 and making a $10 donation to Water.org, you can help give a toilet to someone in need.
“Most of us don’t know anyone who lives without a toilet. But the reality is 2.3 billion people spend hours every day searching for a safe place to go,” said Matt Damon, Water.org co-founder. “The next time nature calls, use your phone to do something good. Sit and give a $10 donation to Water.org by texting TOILETS to 50555. It’s time everyone everywhere has access to a toilet.”
The stats detailing the need for improved sanitation are staggering:
- 1 million people die each year from water, sanitation and hygiene-related disease
- 1 in 3 people worldwide lack access to a toilet
- Women living without a toilet spend 266 million hours a day finding a place to go
“Time spent looking for a place to go translates to billions lost in economic opportunity,” said Jennifer Schorsch, Water.org president. “When families have access to sanitation, kids can spend more time in school, women have more time to earn an income, the health of communities improves and the cycle of poverty can end.”
Water.org connects families to small, affordable loans so they can fund their own sanitation solutions. The loans have a 99 percent repayment rate. Each time a loan is repaid, funds are freed to help another family in need. This keeps the giving going.
