Children play on the pump merry-go-round while Mabopane washes his hands.

Tennis star Nicole Vaidisova helps launch campaign to bring clean water to African communities through PlayPump™ water systems

Westport, CT (March 22, 2007) — To commemorate World Water Day and to improve children's access to clean drinking water worldwide, PlayPumps International, together with Save the Children, 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 on March 22 and end on June 29, will engage students, clubs, faith-based organizations, and others in raising money and awareness. The campaign's Action Kit 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: 

• More than one billion people worldwide do not have access to clean water; 
• Water-related diseases are the leading cause of death in the world, taking the lives of 6,000 people a day;
• Every 15 seconds a child dies from a preventable, water-related disease; 
• 40 billion hours are lost annually to hauling water, a chore primarily undertaken by women and girls.