Happy World Water Day, everyone!
Worldvision Australia has partnered with Chatime Australia today for World Water Day. 10% of all hot and iced teas purchased on 22 March 2014 will go towards transforming the lives of children, families, and entire communities through the precious gift of water. Now thats refreshing! 🙂 
Read more here.
The United Nations World Water Day is celebrated annually on the 22nd of March – thats only 5 days away! Every year brings a different theme to raise awareness of issues relating to our most precious resource and this year’s theme is “Water and Energy”.
Water and energy are closely interlinked and interdependent. Energy generation and transmission requires utilization of water resources, particularly for hydroelectric, nuclear, and thermal energy sources. Conversely, about 8% of the global energy generation is used for pumping, treating and transporting water to various consumers.
In 2014, the UN System – working closely with its Member States and other relevant stakeholders – is collectively bringing its attention to the water-energy nexus, particularly addressing inequities, especially for the ‘bottom billion’ who live in slums and impoverished rural areas and survive without access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, sufficient food and energy services. It also aims to facilitate the development of policies and crosscutting frameworks that bridge ministries and sectors, leading the way to energy security and sustainable water use in a green economy. Particular attention will be paid to identifying best practices that can make a water- and energy-efficient ‘Green Industry’ a reality.
UN Water, 2014
I tried to see if there were any events happening in Sydney but the search has thus far proved to be elusive as the main event is occurring in Tokyo, Japan. Nonetheless, you can host your own event with the UN providing lots of free resources including posters, fact sheets, and even T-shirt templates.
You can find out more at the UN and the UN Water website. In the meantime, savewater is promising the chance to win a plethora of stuff, including an Apple iPad, for survey fill-ins (they are pretty short).
In just 1.5 months the film hit $200 million domestically and due to popular demand, kept showing for 7 months running in cinemas. It was nominated for at least 24 awards and won at least 10. Top critics around the world rated it mostly 4 out of 5.
What made ‘The Blind Side’ such a huge success?
I think it’s the same thing that makes movies like ‘Schindler’s List’, ‘Patch Adams’ and ‘The City of Joy’ successful. It’s feel-good, inspirational and above all, based on a true story. In this violent, cut-throat world that we live in now, we want to know that there are people in the world who still care and we like to see that caring can still make a difference.
World Vision and Compassion are two organisations which give you an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of poverty stricken youths. Much like the reflections of Mrs Touhy at the end of the movie, the lives of these children could turn out differently if they only had the opportunity to break away from the poverty cycle.
Opportunity is a strong word. It tips the balance in favour of one thing or another but this can only happen if people actually act upon the opportunities presented to them. Time waits for no man and these kids really need a helping hand, so please take some time out to care and to make a real difference by sponsoring one of the youths.
– ant –
Ant and Owl 