An Open Letter to WhiskyCast Listeners
 
As we all know, the word “whisky” comes from the Gaelic “uisge beatha,” loosely translated from the Latin “aqua vitae” or “water of life.”  To people living in poverty in an African (South American, Asian, and yes, even North American, European, and Australian) village, “water of life” has a different meaning. Millions of people struggle every day just to find enough drinking water to satisfy their thirst, let alone water their animals or irrigate their crops. It’s estimated that one in six people lacks access to clean, safe drinking water. Wars are fought over water, and the editors of Geographical (published by the Royal Geographical Society) devoted an entire issue to the subject in April. The “Parched Planet” coverage called water scarcity “one of the defining issues of this century.”
 
Earlier this year, The Macallan started a campaign in conjunction with Charity: Water to raise money to help provide safe drinking water in villages around the world. November 15th, a single “Cire Perdue” Lalique crystal decanter of 64-year-old Macallan will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York City, and samples of the whisky are being auctioned off in cities around the world as this rare bottle goes on tour. Needless to say, this project will raise thousands of dollars for Charity: Water.
 
I’ve set a smaller goal, with the same result in mind. I’d like to help just one village, but I need your help to do it. Charity: Water can supply a village of 250 people with the equipment to provide clean, safe drinking water for up to 20 years…for just $5,000.

By visiting http://www.mycharitywater.org/whiskycast, you can make a small donation to help make this happen. I know times are tough, but even a $10 donation will help us reach this goal. If every WhiskyCast listener were to donate $10 (or your local equivalent), we could easily help several villages.
 
I’d like you to join this fight. Without water, we would have no whisky. Without water, millions of people are suffering every day. We can help, and we must help. 
 
$10. It’s the cost of a dram or two at your local bar.
 
Please visit http://www.mycharitywater.org/whiskycastand make a donation today.
 
Someone’s thirsty. Please answer their call.
 
Thanks for your support!
Mark Gillespie
www.whiskycast.com
http://www.mycharitywater.org/whiskycast