The UNICEF Tap Project Encourages When You Take Water, Give Water to Support the World Water Crisis

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Feb 28, 2011, 09:26 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In its effort to educate and engage the American public around the world water crisis, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF is launching its annual UNICEF Tap Project. Through numerous fundraising and volunteer activities, the UNICEF Tap Project will encourage celebrities, restaurants, volunteers and corporations to support UNICEF's efforts to provide children with access to safe, clean water. Funds raised will aid UNICEF's water and sanitation programs in Togo, the Central African Republic and Vietnam.

"Every day, many of us enjoy the gift of easy access to safe, clean water," said President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Caryl Stern. "However much we take this for granted we must remember that for many communities water sources are unclean and soap is often not available. In these situations, disease spreads rapidly, with fatal consequences, killing millions of children a year. It may seem too simple, but clean water means life for many of the world's children."

Giorgio Armani Fragrances will return as National Sponsor to the UNICEF Tap Project through Acqua for Life, its campaign to raise awareness and funds to help UNICEF improve access to safe, clean water for children worldwide. From March 1-31, Giorgio Armani Fragrances will donate $1 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF for each Acqua di Gio for Men and Acqua di Gioia for Women spray cologne or gift set purchased in the U.S., and $1 for the first 250,000 people who "like" the Acqua for Life page on Facebook.

During World Water Week (March 20 -26, 2011) restaurants across the United States will encourage patrons to donate $1 or more for the tap water they usually enjoy for free. The UNICEF Tap Project aims to raise awareness of the world water crisis and garner support to help the millions of children it affects daily. With the commitment of 5,000 volunteers and 1,000 participating restaurants, and the launching of 500 local events and activities, the UNICEF Tap Project will continue to save countless children's lives. The UNICEF Tap Project will once again work with corporate and promotional supporters Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., ZAGAT.com, OpenTable.com, SeamlessWeb.com and Yelp.com.

Since its inception in 2007, the UNICEF Tap Project has raised nearly $2.5 million in the U.S. and has helped to provide clean water for millions of children globally. UNICEF works in more than 100 countries to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, and to promote safe hygiene practices. Over the past 16 years more than a billion people have gained access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities thanks to the efforts of UNICEF and its partners.

For more information visit www.uniceftapproject.org.

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in more than 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.

UNICEF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide. There has been substantial progress: the annual number of under-five deaths dropped from 13 million in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008. But still, 22,000 children die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF